In Greece, fires are a seasonal phenomenon that has intensified in recent years under the effect of climate change. Since last year, Athens has decided to completely review his doctrine to fight fire to better face this recurring threat.
Almost every summer, at the heart of the fire season, the Greek government is used to wiping criticism of the lack of anticipation in the face of cyclical fires.
In 2023, the largest fire ever recorded in Europe – with more than 90,000 hectares who left for smoke in the Evros region, near the Turkish border – changed the situation.
>> Reread: The fires in Greece have received more than 150,000 hectares
Investments, bonds and reorganization
Since then, Athens has completely reviewed its copy: technological investments, especially in thermal drones, and the most immediate reaction as possible at the slightest start of fire to avoid any embrace.
Citizens are now obliged to clearer and Athens can now count on better interoperability between the various actors-elected officials, a feature, soldiers or firefighters.
This year, Greek firefighters are 18,000, a record number and up 15% compared to 2022. The fires are of course always topical, with several dozen departures just last weekend, but the objective of the authorities isAvoid a new “Mati“, by the name of this coastal village where the flames had killed 104 dead 7 years ago.
Joël Bronner / JUMA
