The more than 69 Romanian firefighters who spent two weeks taking action in the Republic of Serbia are returning home on Saturday, after supporting Serbian firefighters and authorities in battling the wildfires that affected large areas and entire communities.

'It was an intense two-week stint, involving complex operations, long hours of work and challenging field conditions, but also new experiences. We thank the crew and commend them for the way they represented Romania beyond its borders. We equally thank their Serbian counterparts for the support they provided and for the team spirit developed throughout the missions. Our thoughts of gratitude also go to the Serbian communities, whose people welcomed us warmly and, through their gestures, gave us the motivation to successfully complete every mission. Two countries, two teams - one mission: to be there where the need is greatest,' the Emergency Management Inspectorate General (IGSU) wrote on its Facebook page.

According to the Emergency Management Department (DSU), the assistance provided to Serbia was delivered through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, following a request submitted by the Serbian authorities through the European emergency response coordination system.

As part of the mission, Romania deployed both a ground-based module comprising 69 firefighters and 15 pieces of technical equipment, and an S-70M Black Hawk helicopter, part of the European rescEU reserve - a European capability hosted and operated by Romania through the Interior Ministry's Aviation General Inspectorate.

The S-70M Black Hawk helicopter took part in aerial firefighting operations, supporting ground teams and helping contain the spread of fires in affected areas, the DSU said on its Facebook page.

For the aircraft, the mission in Serbia marked its first international deployment, representing an important milestone in the development and operationalization of the rescEU capabilities made available to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism by Romania.

'For two weeks, Romanian firefighters operated in difficult conditions in areas affected by wildfires and vegetation fires, alongside their Serbian colleagues. Through the joint efforts of the ground and air teams, the assistance provided by Romania helped strengthen the response of the Serbian authorities in the affected areas. Today, the mission comes to an end and the Romanian emergency responders are returning home. We thank the firefighters and the Black Hawk helicopter crew for their professionalism, commitment and determination, and for the way they represented Romania during this international mission. We also thank the Serbian authorities and firefighters for their cooperation and support throughout the mission. Romania was there where it was needed. Today, our emergency responders are returning home,' Emergency Management Department said.

Romania's ground-based intervention module, comprising 69 firefighters and 15 pieces of technical equipment, departed for Serbia on August 22 to support local authorities in tackling vegetation and forest fires. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Andreea Rotaru; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)