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EU Launches 300-Member Firefighting Force After Devastating Wildfires

2/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 6, 2026, EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra announced a 300-member rapid reaction force of firefighters to fight wildfires across Europe.
The plan follows Europe’s worst wildfire year in 2025.
The European Commission proposed a Cyprus-based firefighting hub to assist the region.
A study shows climate change intensified fires in 2025 by 22 percent, causing 20 deaths and the evacuation of 80,000 people.

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Story summary

On February 6, 2026, EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra announced a 300-member rapid reaction force of firefighters to fight wildfires across Europe.
The plan follows Europe’s worst wildfire year in 2025.
The European Commission proposed a Cyprus-based firefighting hub to assist the region.
A study shows climate change intensified fires in 2025 by 22 percent, causing 20 deaths and the evacuation of 80,000 people.