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- ECHO Daily flash of 20/07/2018

High temperatures, dry weather and forest fires have been affecting the central areas of the country since mid June.
The counties of Gävleborg, Vasterbotten, Jämtland and Dalarna have been particularly badly affected by fires. In the counties of Gävleborg, Jämtland and Dalarna more than 300 people were evacuated. Media also reported that as of 20 July early morning UTC, there are still 43 active forest fires across the country. According to JRC-EFFIS calculations, the total burnt area from 12 July has reached 30 000 ha.
The national authorities of Sweden requested the support of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) on 16 July. In response to the request, Italy offered two firefighting planes which have been operating in the country as of 18 July. In addition France has offered 2 firefighting and 1 reconnaissance planes, Germany 5 firefighting helicopters, Lithuania 1 firefighting helicopter and Poland 2 ground forest fire fighting with vehicles modules.
Over the next 24 hours, dry conditions and high temperatures up to 30 degrees locally may continue to affect most of the country, especially the areas affected by forest fires. According to EFFIS, the fire danger forecast as of 20 July might remain high in the areas affected by fires.