The announcement of new support measures for the firefighters on Monday was announced by the Deputy Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Kostas Katsafados, Speaking on ERT’s “Newsroom” show.
As he stated, Government step will visit Achaia, where he will meet with local bodies to form a comprehensive rehabilitation plan after the devastating fires.
In the step they will participate, in addition to himself, Interior Minister Nikos Lebanese, The President of ELGA and the Secretary General of the Ministry of the Environment. Among the measures being considered is ENFIA exemption for the next three years in homes that have been described as “yellow” or “red” after an autopsy of the General Secretariat for Natural Disaster Rehabilitation.
“The climate crisis, not just climate change, is here and we are experiencing it with tragic events”, Mr Katsafados saidstressing that this year’s fires were reinforced by winds that reached 9 and 10 beaufort. He also pointed out that other European and Balkan countries are also affected.
At the same time expressed his appreciation for Fire Brigade executives, This year exceeding 18,000-record number-as well as for volunteers, armed forces, security forces and local government, who, he said, have contributed decisively to the protection of human lives and property.
For criticism of extinguishing delays, he noted that “there is always room for improvement” and that climate crisis is a “dynamic phenomenon” that requires new technologies and the exploitation of scientific staff.
Referenced In the situation in Achaia and Preveza, Where multiple fires were recorded in just one day, he stressed that “the resources and powers of a country are not endless” and therefore the European support mechanism was activated.
About prevention, recalled the successful cleaning institution that is successfully applied, While calling on citizens to adhere to civil protection guidelines, stressing that “they are not just instructions, but orders that save lives”. As he said, only more than 2,000 fires were due to human errors last year.