Greece will deploy 18,000 firefighting personnel this summer as part of an expanded effort to combat wildfires linked to climate change, according to Associated Press.
Civil Protection Minister Ioannis Kefalogiannis said the force would include both permanent and seasonal staff, supported by thousands of volunteers.
Kefalogiannis said: “It is clear that the conditions this year will be particularly difficult.”
Increase in drone surveillance and advanced coordination tools
According to Associated Press, the number of drones used for fire surveillance in Greece has increased to 82, up from 45 two years ago.
Firefighters are using mobile command centres and real-time drone footage to monitor wildfire developments and coordinate response efforts more efficiently.
The latest exercise, held south of Athens, included coordinated water drops by fire planes and drone-assisted ground operations.
Climate change is altering fire season conditions
Greek Fire Chief Lt. Gen. Theodoros Vagias told Associated Press that rising temperatures and reduced rainfall are creating more challenging wildfire conditions.
Vagias said: “The climate crisis is here to stay, and we must be more effective in surveillance, preparedness, and how we mobilise our resources.”
He added that elite firefighting units would be sent to areas assessed as high risk between 1 May and 31 October.
Wildfire damage has tripled compared to previous decade
According to data from the European Union’s Forest Fire Information System, wildfire damage in Greece reached 1,745 square kilometres in 2023.
This is nearly three times the average annual area burned between 2011 and 2020.
In 2021, fires scorched more than 1,300 square kilometres, reflecting a rising trend over the past two decades.
European Union sends international support to Greece
The Associated Press reported that around 300 firefighters from France, Romania, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Moldova will be deployed in Greece under a European Union prepositioning programme.
These personnel are expected to support local teams during the peak fire season.
The coast guard and armed forces are also participating in simulation exercises to prepare for potential evacuations and multi-agency response scenarios.
Greece boosts wildfire response with more firefighters and drones: Summary
Greece is deploying 18,000 firefighting personnel for the 2025 wildfire season.
The government reported a 20% increase in personnel numbers over the past two years.
The fire surveillance drone fleet has grown from 45 to 82.
Advanced technologies such as drone video streams and mobile command centres are being used in firefighting operations.
Climate conditions have worsened due to increased temperatures and reduced rainfall.
Greek Fire Chief Theodoros Vagias said elite units will be assigned to high-risk zones during the May to October fire period.
Wildfire damage reached 1,745 square kilometres in 2023.
This is nearly three times the 2011–2020 average, according to EU data.
International support from five European countries is being deployed to assist Greek fire services.