The design, the preparation for this year’s firefighting season and the increased role of technology in the prevention of fires were mentioned, inter alia, by the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Giannis Kefalogiannisin an interview with SKAI 100.3 today.
Initially asked about the request for help from Israel for fires, Mr Kefalogiannis pointed out that Greece’s response was immediate and noted that while sending the air means was not possible due to the weather conditions in the country, the availability of land was expressed.
Concerning the preparation for this year’s firefighting season, the minister stressed that, despite increased rainfall, the frequency of fires remains high, as the March data show. At the same time, he referred to the strengthening of staff with a total force of 18,000 women and men, of whom 2,500 are seasonal firefighters, which will be employed for 8 months instead of 6. In addition, he talked about the available air fleet, which includes 49 leased via NSPAs and 80-day fleet.
The minister placed particular emphasis on the increased role of technology in preventing and dealing with fires, as he pointed out this year the number of heat cameras surveillance drones doubles, from 45 to 82, operating on a 24 -hour basis. He then marked the immediate image of the drones, the workers’ patrols of high -risk days and cooperation with the Armed Forces through the administration of construction and natural disasters. He also pointed out that the Armed Forces are now a second official Civil Protection Pillar with executives integrated into the National Coordinating Center (ESKEDIK), ensuring immediate response to incidents.
Concerning the new framework for the recruitment of seasonal firefighters, the minister explained that this year it is foreseen to hold a high school diploma, with the aim of upgrading the staff, while noting that they are considering how to utilize the experience of those who were left out, through their partnerships. He stressed that, since 2019, human resources have increased by about 4,000 people, while much of the seasonal has been absorbed in permanent positions through the EMME.
He recalled that four new units are being founded this year in Chania, Chalkida, Ilia and Zakynthos.
In addition, he referred to the days pre -signing a contract, through the AEGIS program, to acquire 8 new Super Puma helicopters, which will boost firefighting operations and staff transfer.
In the same context, the minister spoke about the strengthening of the National Air Fleet, with the supply of 7 new Canadair CL-515 aircraft through the “AIGIS” program and the European Resceu mechanism. Greece, he said, along with France, will be the first countries to receive the new press, with the first aircraft expected in early 2028, and added that upgrading to the existing CL-415, so that the national fleet can reach 14 modern aircraft. As he pointed out, Greece now has one of the largest firefighting fleets in Europe, combining national media and a fleet.
The minister pointed out that strategic planning provides for a continuous evaluation and distribution of forces based on operational data and needs. The goal, as he noted, for this year’s firefighting season is clear: preventing the loss of human lives and the restriction of destructive consequences in property and the environment.
Concerning the cleaning of land, Mr Kefalogiannis explained that the measure was first piloted and emphasized its importance last year, as it was found that where there was compliance, the damage was minimal to zero. On the contrary, in cases such as the fire in Barnabas, as the Minister underlined, gross plots have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.