Macedonia gets fire-fighting help from stretched EU

BRUSSELS, July 31 (Reuters) The European Union is helping Macedonia fight forest fires, stretching its collective fire fighting resources to the limit as blazes brought on by hot, dry weather rage throughout southern Europe.

In statements today, the executive European Commission said fire conditions remained ''acute'', with all states of southern Europe combating major blazes.

Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said resources were stretched to the limit and welcomed proposals for a European rapid reaction force with at least 10 fire-fighting aircraft.

Macedonia, a candidate to join the 27-nation bloc, became the latest state to get help under the EU's existing Community Mechanism for Civil Protection, which has been helping Albania, Bulgaria, Greece and Italy fight fires.

Slovenia has sent a helicopter, and several other EU states offered fire fighting equipment, first aid kits and experts to help Macedonia deal with around 22 woodland fires.

''This gesture of solidarity to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia comes at a time when Europe's southern frontiers are burning, using up all of the resources we have available,'' Dimas said.

REUTERS ARB HS1757