Many countries within the EU are facing increased risk of wildfires as a result of population growth, urbanisation and climatic effects. The number of forest fires is increasing. Experience has shown that the scale of response needed can exceed national capabilities.

The European Commission decided to look into potential improvements for sharing wild fire fighting resources within the EU, on the basis of a study on arrangements for sharing of such resources that have been tested in other parts of the world (the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa). 

This study looks into arrangements with regard to governance, asset procurement, resources sharing and management, operational standards and response mechanisms, cost-sharing and system financing, monitoring/early warning systems and preparedness, training and qualifications. On the basis of the case-studies GHK has developed a series of options for the further development of the European Civil Protection Mechanism as regards arrangements for wild fire fighting resource sharing.