In an interview at SKAI 100.3 radio station and journalists Vassilis Chiotis and Notis Papadopoulos, the Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, discussed the new approach implemented this year by the Fire Service in tackling forest fires. He emphasized the critical importance of clearing plots of land and peri-urban and peri-forest areas, as well as the use of drones for the rapid detection of fires.
"I will say it once more, this will be the toughest fire season of the last twenty years. Nevertheless, you know, we have worked very hard throughout the winter and spring, primarily on prevention. The 560,000 cleared plots we have reached so far are a huge asset compared to last year, because you understand that fires do not spread in cleared plots, people’s properties are not destroyed, and houses do not burn in cleared surroundings. However, where there are two meters of grass, that is a 'powder keg,'" he said.
Regarding the new approach to fighting forest fires, which focuses on the immediate mobilization of aerial and enhanced ground firefighting forces from the moment a fire starts, and the cooperation of all involved agencies in the field, the Minister emphasized: "Now, with forest fires, the aerial units take off as soon as the drones detect smoke. We do not wait for a fire truck, a volunteer, or a firefighter to confirm it. They take off by order of the Chief from the very first second. If it turns out to be a false alarm or if the ground forces manage to control the fire within the 20 minutes it takes for an aerial unit to take off, we cancel the takeoff. If it has already taken off, it performs a water drop and a patrol."
The Minister highlighted the mandatory presence of forest service personnel in the field alongside firefighters, volunteers, police for evacuations, the Armed Forces, and local authorities with water trucks and earth-moving machinery. "We are all fighting and trying together, and of course, mistakes will be made. It is obvious that we cannot catch everything, there is no such possibility with so many ignitions," said Mr. Kikilias, noting that in June 2023, there were 533 fire ignitions, while this June there were 1,281.
Regarding the use of drones, he pointed out that they play a crucial role in the timely detection of fires, resulting in the rapid mobilization of firefighting forces and significantly increasing the chances of tackling a fire at an early stage. "We have 25 drones with 25 operation centers flying over Hymettus, Parnitha, and Penteli, Vilia, and wherever needed 24/7, they see with infrared at night, have thermal cameras, calculate coordinates, and give us early warning of an incident that, in other times, would unfortunately be seen later by a fire lookout, a citizen, or a soldier. It is a big advantage. This is also being expanded outside of Attica; a drone has already been deployed in Karystos in southern Euboea, where we always have fires," said Mr. Kikilias.
Finally, speaking about the superhuman efforts of firefighters and the tough battles they fight with the flames, he said: "I declare on behalf of the Greek firefighters that they give their heart and soul every day, and I am truly proud of these people who fight, and the Greek society recognizes this year's effort."
