The Russian Emergencies Ministry said Friday it is sending two Be-200 Altair amphibious aircraft at Portugal’s request to assist it in battling forest fires.

Wildfires caused by high temperatures on Portugal’s island of Madeira killed at least three people and spread across Western Europe, including Spain and France.

"On behalf of the Russian Government and in accordance with Portugal’s request, the Russian Emergencies Ministry is sending two Be-200ES [Emergency Services] amphibious aircraft to extinguish forest fires," the ministry’s spokesperson said.

The Beriev Be-200 is well-suited for firefighting missions. It can take in up to 12.5 metric tons of water in a few seconds while traveling over the surface of the water and then drop its load onto the flames.