Tournas: 85% of wildfires caused by human negligence

Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas said 85% of wildfires in the country are caused by human negligence, urging increased caution as Greece enters the most critical phase of the fire season.

Speaking to OPEN TV and STAR Central Greece, Tournas said more than 1,100 wildfires have already broken out since the start of the 2026 fire season, with between 30 and 40 new fires reported daily.

He said the combination of prolonged heatwaves, abundant vegetation following heavy winter and spring rainfall, and strong seasonal meltemi winds is expected to significantly increase wildfire risk, particularly in the second half of July.

Firefighting resources strengthened

Tournas said the new National Fire Risk Assessment Map identifies the regions facing the greatest danger, including Thrace, Eastern Macedonia, Evia, Attica, eastern Central Greece, the eastern Peloponnese and the eastern Aegean islands.

He added that Greece has deployed its largest-ever aerial firefighting fleet this year, with around 80 aircraft, including 51 leased planes and helicopters and about 30 state-owned aircraft, to improve surveillance and rapid response.

The minister also said the first of Greece's new Canadair firefighting aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2028, with the full fleet scheduled to be in service by 2031.