Fire season with drones and a new forest commando unit on Crete.
Firefighting forces in the country consist of over 18,000 personnel. That includes about 15,500 permanent firefighters and 2,500 seasonal staff.
These teams focus on reducing the number of fire outbreaks. They also work to quickly control those that occur and manage large-scale incidents as best they can.
The fire prevention season kicks off officially on May 1st every year. The operational model leans heavily on rapid intervention, building on what’s worked in recent years to keep fires in check and limit the fallout.
Specialised forest firefighting units—those forest commandos—count around 1,600 members. New forest operation teams are cropping up too, with 20 units now active.
Four of these new units have been set up in key regions. They’re staffed with over 160 personnel, aiming to boost response where it’s most needed.
International cooperation isn’t just a buzzword. Under the European Civil Protection Mechanism, about 300 firefighters from several countries pitch in during fire season.
This prepositioning programme really does strengthen the ability to jump on wildfires quickly. It’s a bit of a relief knowing there’s backup.
Volunteer involvement is huge in fire protection. Nearly 5,000 volunteer firefighters join the effort alongside official forces.
There are also over 5,700 civil protection volunteers from almost 300 organisations. They help out with prevention, preparedness, and emergency ops.
Aerial firefighting resources run between 80 and 85 aircraft. Nearly 50 of those are leased to beef up national capabilities when fire risk is high.
On the ground, support comes from a fleet of around 3,700 vehicles. That allows for pretty flexible deployment, wherever the need pops up.
The number of drones has been increased compared to last year. A total of 82 (last year there were 45) will be available to the Civil Defence for aerial surveillance, which serves to provide early warning and prevent fires.
The UAV system (Unmanned Aircraft Systems – drones) is to be extended to new high-risk areas such as Crete, Rhodes and the islands of the North Aegean, according to the Civil Defence.
At the same time, the cleaning of land will be of crucial importance for prevention. Although the deadline for this expired on 30 April, it was decided to extend it until 15 June.
Key priorities in fire safety measures include public awareness campaigns and cooperation between different agencies. Strict enforcement of fire protection regulations is also high on the list.
Controls and inspections are carried out during the prevention period. The goal: make sure folks are clearing vegetation and sticking to safety practices.
Penalties for failing to meet fire prevention obligations can be pretty steep. Administrative fines or even criminal charges are on the table to discourage negligence.
The Ministry responsible for climate crisis and civil protection leads the overall strategy. It coordinates firefighting services, volunteer groups, and government agencies.
Ensuring everyone’s ready before fire season hits is crucial, especially with the headaches caused by climate change and wildfire risks piling up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fire prevention efforts for 2025 include mandatory clearing of open spaces by April 30. These areas have to stay clean throughout the fire season to cut down on fire risks.
Authorities will be doing regular inspections to keep folks on their toes and support early fire detection.
How has wildfire management changed since 2024?
Since 2024, wildfire management has gotten a bit more proactive. There’s increased monitoring, better resource allocation, and improved coordination among emergency teams.
Technology—think satellite tracking and drone surveillance—now plays a bigger role in early warning systems.
When is the highest risk of fires during the 2025 season?
The fire risk really peaks during the hot and dry months, usually from May to September. During this stretch, weather and dry vegetation make fires far more likely.
Extra caution and preparedness are definitely recommended throughout these months. Better safe than sorry.
What emergency resources will be available during high-risk times in 2025?
Emergency services are set to have more firefighting personnel, vehicles, and aerial support during peak periods. Temporary fire stations might pop up in particularly vulnerable areas.
Communication networks will get a boost for faster response and information sharing. It’s not perfect, but it helps.
What support does the community receive in the 2025 fire season?
Communities will have access to educational campaigns focused on fire safety and prevention. Local authorities plan to help with clearing properties and offer guidance on emergency plans.
Public alerts and updates will be sent out regularly. Staying informed is half the battle, right?
How can people help lower fire dangers in 2025?
People can cut down fire risks by clearing out dry vegetation around their homes and properties. It’s not exactly thrilling yard work, but it goes a long way.
Try to avoid open flames on days when fire danger is high. And, honestly, making sure you’re getting rid of waste properly matters more than most folks think.
Listening to local regulations—sometimes a pain, but necessary—and keeping up with updates from official sources helps keep everyone safer.
