BRUSSELS, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission has mobilized a fire-fighting aircraft from Italy through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to help France fight its ravaging wildfire, a press release from the commission said here late Tuesday.
The European Union's (EU) emergency Copernicus satellite is also helping to provide damage assessment maps of the affected areas, said the release.
Meanwhile, the European Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Center is closely monitoring the developments. The center is also in contact with the French civil protection authorities in case other assistance would be requested, said the release.
At least 10,000 people have been forced to evacuate after a wildfire broke out in southern France, French authorities said. France activated the EU Mechanism after the fire broke out.
The European Commission coordinates the voluntary offers made by participating states though the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and can co-finance the transport of relief items and experts to the country in need.
The mobilization of assistance is coordinated through the Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Center. In the case of fire, assistance will include fire-extinguishing aircraft.
