ZAGREB, May 26, 2019 - A Croatian Canadair on Saturday helped to put out big fires in central Israel caused by a heat wave and temperatures which reached 47 degrees centigrade, and Ambassador Ilan Mor thanked Croatia on the assistance on behalf of his people.
The Croatian Defence Ministry said the aircraft was sent after the government granted Israel's request for assistance.
Mor said Croatia and its leadership had again confirmed that the two countries were good friends and that Israel could always count on Croatia.
According to Israeli firefighters, 3,000 people had to leave their homes and 45 houses burned down in hundreds of fires that erupted over the past three days, destroying houses, forests and crops. Aside from Croatia, foreign aid was provided by aircraft from Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt.
The engagement of Croatian forces shows solidarity and provides experience in flying internationally and in checking national and international procedures, which is important for maintaining readiness for engagement in the rescEU project and in case Croatia needs help in putting out fires from the air, the Defence Ministry said.
More news about Croatian firefighters can be found in the Lifestyle section.
