Authorities strengthen wildfire and storm preparedness in Macedonia and Thrace

An expanded session of the Coordinating Council was held on July 22 at the Ministry of Interior’s Macedonia and Thrace Sector, bringing together government officials and emergency agencies to review ongoing fire protection measures and operational readiness for the remainder of the summer.

The meeting assessed the implementation of wildfire prevention measures introduced since the start of Greece’s fire season and discussed further coordination among all relevant authorities to improve emergency response capabilities.

Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas said the government had set two key priorities this year: reducing combustible vegetation following an unusually wet season that led to increased plant growth, and strengthening efforts to combat arson.

According to the minister, Greece has reinforced its Arson Crimes Investigation Directorate and established 37 regional investigative units dedicated to identifying and prosecuting arson-related offenses.

Tournas warned that the next two months will be particularly challenging, requiring continuous readiness, close coordination and responsible action from all agencies involved.

He also noted that meteorological forecasts indicate severe weather, including heavy thunderstorms, lightning and hail, affecting parts of Central Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Emergency response teams have therefore been placed on heightened alert to respond rapidly to incidents such as fallen trees, rescue operations and other weather-related emergencies.

The meeting forms part of Greece's broader efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness during the peak summer season, when wildfires and extreme weather pose heightened risks across the country.