Greece deploys massive firefighting force ahead of wildfire season
Greece will deploy nearly 18,000 firefighters, more than 100 surveillance drones and up to 85 aircraft for this year’s wildfire season, authorities announced following a high-level preparedness meeting at the Maximos Mansion on Friday.
Government officials said the Fire Service currently includes 17,727 permanent and seasonal firefighters, with the number expected to increase to 18,804 by the end of the year.
Expanded air and ground operations
The country’s firefighting fleet will consist of 4,300 vehicles and between 80 and 85 aircraft available daily. The aerial force includes 33 state-owned planes and 51 leased aircraft aimed at strengthening rapid-response capabilities during peak fire periods.
Authorities also confirmed that 21 specialized forest commando units will operate throughout the season with a total of 1,450 personnel. The first such units were established in 2022 to improve operations in mountainous and hard-to-access areas.
Increased use of drone surveillance
More than 100 drones equipped with thermal cameras will be deployed nationwide for early fire detection and monitoring. Three mobile drone operations centers will support coordination efforts in high-risk regions.
EU support continues
Greece will also receive assistance from firefighters pre-positioned from four European Union countries under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, continuing a support program launched in recent years amid increasingly severe wildfire seasons across southern Europe.
