‘It is probably the most difficult summer of the last 20 years in all of Europe in terms of fires »the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection said, Giannis Kefalogiannis, In an interview he gave on Tuesday to OPEN.
As he said, our country and Europe as a whole are facing extreme conditions that exceed previous years. “Over 10 million acres have been burned throughout Europe. It is the highest number of burnt acres of the last 20 years, ”he noted.
Mr Kefalogiannis explained that the firefighting period remains in progress and therefore the overall report will be made in the end when all the evidence has been recorded. “Whether or not the state mechanism is effective, I repeat is judged at the end of the year,” he said, adding that not only the overall burning area, but also the species of land: “It is different to say that 300,000 acres of forests are burning and the other is grassland.”
Referring to the fires that have been strongly concerned with public opinion, Mr. Kefalogiannis He stressed that “in Keratea it was a day when 9 and 10 beaufort winds were blowing. There was a titanic attempt mainly by firefighters and volunteer firefighters and civil protection not going east to the Sounion Park, which was done. ” He also pointed out that, based on the data of the Copernicus system, not a single acre of forest was burned in this fire.
Concerning Patras, the minister, in response to the objections, said: “We were from the first minute there. We have all the elements, and these things are out of documents. How many aerials they tried. How many forces did they also attempt. ” He explained that successive fronts broke out, some of which were proven to be arson, and added that “there was a titanic effort, mainly by the Fire Brigade, of course by volunteer firefighters and civil protection, in fact, not to enter the city.”
Asked about the responsibilities attributed to DEDDIE, Mr. Kefalogiannis said: “Obviously, dozens, if not hundreds of cases, have arrived in justice. I recall that we have over 320 arson arrests, either from deceit or negligence. ” He emphasized that 70% with 75% of the fires were due to a human factor and that the largest reform needed is citizens’ education. At the same time, he highlighted the issue of cable underground, stressing that “according to DEDDIE’s data the cost is € 35 billion”, while projects have already begun in the most sensitive areas, such as mixed zones and critical ecosystems.
At the heart of his position was the human resources of the Fire Brigade. “They are currently serving 18,000 women and men in the Fire Department,” the minister said, clarifying that it is an increase of about 30% compared to 2019. He recalled that organic positions are 17,900 and that 1,000 new hires are already planned for 2026. Supply of new Canadair they can attempt at night.
Finally, the minister underlined the strategic prevention orientation, with increased resources to local government and programs such as “Antinero” and “Aegis”. “We need to change mentality as citizens above. We will invest in prevention, “he said characteristically, noting that funding for municipal fire protection increased from 31 to 40 million euros, while fines were fined for the first time this year on those who did not comply with land cleaning obligations.