Greece’s fire season has started early due to high temperatures, with dozens of fires already extinguished. To combat this threat, Greece is increasing its specialized firefighting units to 1,300 and adopting tactics from the U.S. Crew members are acquired through training collaborations with countries like France, Spain, and the U.S., equipped with tools needed to hold back fires. The fire season has begun prematurely, with temperatures hitting 86 degrees Fahrenheit in late March, higher than previous spikes over the past decade.
Greece aims to outflank fires by doubling the number of firefighters in specialized units and using tactics from the U.S. Crew members are trained in various skills through collaborations with other countries, focusing on a more scientific approach towards wildfires. The country has launched a $2.3 billion program to overhaul its disaster response capability, including new equipment such as water-dropping aircraft, drones, and an artificial intelligence-driven sensor network. Greek authorities are focusing on training and new firefighting methods ahead of another tough fire season.
With Greece facing an annual challenge of defending settlements overlapping with wooded areas, the country is experiencing hotter temperatures and extreme weather conditions. The European Union satellite data analyzed by the National Observatory of Athens revealed that last winter was the warmest on record, with six of the warmest Greek winters occurring in the past decade. Europe is the fastest-warming continent globally, with Greece at the forefront of facing the climate crisis. Annual conditions are expected to worsen, leading to a difficult summer and fire season.
Athens’ main disaster response command center sets the stage for authorities to prepare for the upcoming fire season. Minister for climate crisis and civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, anticipates a tough summer due to dry winter and fall temperatures lasting until December. Firefighters are stepping up exercises and training throughout April, utilizing new facilities like the Fire Dragon to simulate burning buildings. Fire crews are trained in close-quarter techniques and rescues, while trainees navigate through dark, disorienting mazes to practice working in confined spaces.
Retiree Chrysoula Renieri, who lost her home in the 2023 fires, visited her gutted house and shared her experience of helplessness as the approaching fire engulfed their home. She hopes that the Fire Service’s new equipment and methods could make a difference for others facing similar situations in the upcoming summer. Amidst the devastation caused by wildfires in recent years, the Greek government, equipped with new equipment and trained firefighters, is gearing up to face another challenging fire season with a focus on preparedness and effective response strategies.
