During the summer of 2025, the Slovak AFFF-H RescEU team actively participated in international wildfire response operations across Europe. Crews from HELI COMPANY and Slovak firefighters deployed UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters in Bulgaria, Albania, and Spain, helping to combat extensive fires under challenging conditions.
Bulgaria (27 July – 2 August 2025)
The first deployment took place in Pirin National Park near the town of Strumyani, where the Slovak team assisted in extinguishing large-scale forest fires. They cooperated with units from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Romania, Hungary, and with Swedish aircraft.
Albania (10 – 16 August 2025)
In Albania, the team operated in the areas of Gramsh, Terpan, Koder, Delvine, and Blue Eye, joining coordinated operations alongside teams from Albania, the Czech Republic, the United Arab Emirates, and Croatia. The demanding terrain and high temperatures tested both the crew’s skills and the helicopter’s capabilities.
Spain (20 – 27 August 2025)
The final deployment took place in the Jarilla and Fasgar regions of Spain. The Slovak helicopter assisted in wildfire suppression efforts together with teams from Spain, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands.
Season Results
Over the course of the three missions, the Slovak RescEU team:
- carried out 533 Bambi bucket drops
- logged over 110 flight hours
- and dropped more than 1.63 million liters of water
The deployments confirmed the high readiness and professionalism of Slovak aerial and firefighting units, whose work significantly contributed to the joint European effort in combating wildfires and protecting the environment.
