Its reinforcement of Firefighter With more than 100 new vehicles, drones and digital tools announced by the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannisin today’s interview with SKAI radio station.
The minister presented the range of equipment and technological transformation of civil protection in view of the event of new media delivery at the Olympic Stadium in the presence of the Prime Minister, Kyriakou Mitsotakis and of the European Commissioner to deal with crisis, Hadja Lahbib.
As he said, the country reinforces both its ground and its aerial fleet, while proceeding to gradually shield prevention through the National Program “SHIELD».
«It’s not just vehicles. They are communication systems, is the national database, they are early warning systems – they all recommend digital readiness steps“, He stressed.
About overheadwhich the country has, stressed that today they are operating daily from 80 to 85 aircraft and helicopters, of which 49 rented through an agreement launched in 2024, and 30-35 of the National Fleet.
“Their dispersion covers the whole country, based on the risk map,” he noted.
Kefalogiannis particularly stood in use droneswhich, he said, increased this year from 40 to 87 and offering a critical advantage in the immediate detection of fires.
“The drones find the smoke before it even fires. This allows us to send forces immediately. Based on statistics, 90% of the fires are extinguished in the first minutes, adding that there was a 34% reduction in burnt areas compared to 2023, with a decrease reaching 90% in forests (1,200 acres this year compared to 19,000 last year).
The minister did not fail to underline the human factornoting that ‘unfortunately, Over 60% of fires comes from negligence, not intention“Liteback examples of the combustion or use of tools in inappropriate conditions, inviting citizens to faithfully follow the guidelines of civil protection, especially on days with an increased risk indicator.
Referring to European cooperation in dealing with fires, he pointed out that one part of Canadairthat Greece possesses, are included in the context of Resceuthat is, the procedure in which assistance is offered and received between EU member states.
He also praised the Commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, for her commitment to present a holistic plan to enhance prevention and know -how at European level, and reminded that “the” AEGIS “program is greatly funded by the Recovery fund and NSRF – European subscription is decisive».
The minister also confirmed that the old vehicles, which are withdrawn, will be allocated to voluntary organizations, municipalities and regions. “A big thank you to the 5,500 civil protection volunteers and the 5,000 volunteer firefighters – their role is crucial,” he said.