Civil Protection Department

Forest fires: two Italian Canadair in mission in Greece

Two Canadair aircraft of the State’s fleet have taken off today to support Greece’s firefighting operations that struck the area south of Attica. The first Canadair left this morning at 10.30 from Ciampino airport and landed at Lamezia where it will be loaded with material and crew and will take off at 13.00 from Lamezia together with the second Canadair. The two aircrafts will begin operations in Greece late this afternoon.

The Italian fleet operation is part of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, activated after the request of aircraft assistance.

To ensure maximum efficiency and practicality four crews and three technicians, a total of 11 men have taken off with the Canadair aircrafts which guarantees Italian support for the necessary period. Each aircraft has a capacity of 6,137 liters of water and fire extinguishing fluid and is able to scoop in just 12 seconds.