Credit: CGDIS
On Friday 31 July 2026, the European Commission expressed its gratitude for Luxembourg's contribution to France's efforts to combat the severe wildfires affecting the south-west of the country, particularly the Gironde department.
According to the Commission, Luxembourg's support represents a strong demonstration of European solidarity, combining assistance provided through the European Union (EU) Civil Protection Mechanism with close cross-border cooperation between Luxembourg's and France's emergency services.
The Luxembourg government has deployed an Air Tractor AT-802 Fire Boss water bomber aircraft to reinforce aerial firefighting operations in Gironde. The aircraft is operated by Aquarius Aerial Firefighting, a subsidiary of Cargolux specialising in aerial wildfire suppression.
At the same time, fifteen firefighters from the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) have been deployed to France, noted the Commission, adding that They have joined other fifteen firefighters from the Moselle Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS) to form, for the first time, an integrated Franco-Luxembourg operational detachment.
The joint detachment departed from Metz, France on Thursday 30 July 2026 and joined emergency teams already deployed in Gironde. The Luxembourg firefighters, from the fire and rescue centres of Differdange-Sanem, Dudelange, Bettembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette and Roeser, are accompanied by firefighting vehicles and equipment. Their deployment is expected to last around one week.
The intervention group is under the joint command of Captain Benjamin Bernard of the Moselle Departmental Fire and Rescue Service and Luxembourg Lieutenant Jean-Luc Rind. It comprises four fire engines, including two from Luxembourg, and has been integrated into the French "Est 4" fire support column. Its primary mission is to protect homes and other buildings threatened by the advancing wildfires.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "Luxembourg's firefighters answered the call to help France during this particularly difficult wildfire season. By fighting the flames alongside colleagues from across Europe, they are demonstrating in a very tangible way what European solidarity means: being there for one another. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank these 15 courageous firefighters. Their courage and dedication remind us of one simple truth: when we stand together, we are stronger."
Colonel Stéphane Eslinger, Deputy Director of the Moselle Departmental Fire and Rescue Service, added: "This unprecedented joint detachment is a continuation and strengthening of the cross-border cooperation and friendship that has existed for many years between the emergency services of the Moselle Department in France and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg."
Paul Schroeder, Director General of the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps, commented: "This initiative demonstrates in a very concrete way how bilateral cross-border cooperation can help strengthen and support the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism."
The Commission said the deployment highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in coordinating assistance when national emergency response capacities are under pressure. It also paid tribute to all firefighters, civil protection personnel and volunteers working in difficult conditions to protect lives, homes and the environment.
