Deputy Interior Minister Spanakis: “Municipalities at the front line of wildfire prevention in 2026”
Deputy Interior Minister Vasilis-Petros Spanakis stated that Greece’s municipalities will play a frontline role in wildfire prevention during the 2026 fire season, following an interministerial coordination meeting focused on preparedness and risk mitigation.
The meeting, held Monday, March 2, was convened at the invitation of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis. Spanakis attended alongside Interior Ministry Secretary General Savvas Hionidis.
Coordination and Prevention at the Core
Discussions centered on strengthening coordination between ministries and local authorities, enhancing preventive measures, and outlining operational priorities for the 2026 wildfire response period.
“Across the country’s 332 municipalities, local authorities will once again stand at the forefront of preventive action against wildfires,” Spanakis said in a statement.
He added that compared to previous years, municipalities have been provided with increased funding and additional equipment to bolster readiness. Local governments have also completed their registrations on the state digital platform akatharista.apps.gov.gr, designed to monitor land clearing and fire prevention compliance.
New “Active Combat” Law Enacted
Spanakis highlighted the recent adoption of Law 5281/2026, titled “Energi Mahi” (“Active Combat”), passed on February 19, 2026. According to the deputy minister, the legislation incorporates proposals submitted by the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece, further strengthening the institutional role of municipalities in wildfire management.
He stressed that local authorities’ contribution has become “decisive” in Greece’s broader civil protection framework, particularly as the country prepares for another high-risk summer season amid climate-related challenges.
Heightened Preparedness Ahead of Fire Season
Greece has faced consecutive years of destructive wildfires, increasing pressure on central and local governments to improve prevention, rapid response capabilities, and inter-agency coordination.
Officials say the 2026 strategy prioritizes early intervention, community-level preparedness, and digital monitoring tools to reduce fire outbreaks before they escalate.
The government is expected to release further operational details as the fire season approaches.
