Greece Enhances Firefighting Efforts Amid Rising Temperatures

A member of the 1st Wildfire Special Operation Unit, holds drip torch used to scorch strips of earth and create fire breaks, during a drill near Villia village some 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest

In KRYO PIGADI, Greece, Fire Lt. Col. Ioannis Kolovos and his elite fire crew are gearing up to combat wildfires that have already begun ravaging the hills west of Athens. Equipped with chainsaws, specialized rakes, weather gauges, and other tools, the 1st Wildfire Special Operation Unit is on high alert as Greece's fire season started prematurely this year due to soaring temperatures.

To bolster their firefighting capabilities, Greece is doubling the number of firefighters in specialized units to 1,300 and adopting tactics from the United States. The country is investing in new equipment, including water-dropping aircraft, drones, and an AI-driven sensor network to enhance early detection of fires.

Despite these efforts, the new equipment won't be operational until 2025. In the meantime, Greek authorities are focusing on training and implementing advanced firefighting methods to tackle the expected tough fire season. Last year, wildfires scorched an estimated 1,750 square kilometers, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced disaster response capabilities.

1,300 firefighters in specialized units to combat wildfires with U.S. tactics.

Greece's elite fire crew in KRYO PIGADI readies for wildfires near Athens.

New equipment like water-dropping aircraft and drones to enhance firefighting capabilities.

Greece investing in AI-driven sensor network for early fire detection.

Challenging terrain and rising temperatures increase wildfire risk near urban settlements.

Greece experienced its warmest winter on record, signaling climate change impact.

Minister Kikilias anticipates a tough fire season due to dry conditions and high temperatures.

Fire Service intensifies training with innovative facilities like the Fire Dragon simulator.

Residents like Chrysoula Renieri hope new firefighting methods will prevent future tragedies.

Urgent need for proactive measures to protect lives and property as summer approaches.

Greece's challenging terrain, coupled with increasing temperatures, poses a significant threat to urban settlements near wooded areas at risk of wildfires. The country experienced its warmest winter on record, reflecting a broader trend of rising temperatures in Europe, which is warming at twice the global average rate.

Minister Vassilis Kikilias, responsible for climate crisis and civil protection, anticipates a difficult fire season ahead, exacerbated by dry conditions and prolonged high temperatures. The Fire Service is intensifying training exercises, utilizing innovative facilities like the Fire Dragon to simulate real-life firefighting scenarios.

For residents like Chrysoula Renieri, who lost her home in the 2023 fires, the hope is that the Fire Service's new equipment and methods will prevent similar tragedies in the future. As summer approaches, the specter of wildfires looms large, underscoring the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.