Greece in the focus: rapid increase in forest fires!

Greece in the focus: rapid increase in forest fires!

Griechenland - in Greece, the drought led to a worrying increase in bush fires after a low -rainy spring. The fire brigades are currently active in several regions of the country, including on the southwest coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, near the port city of Volos and in two places on the Chalkidiki peninsula. This situation is alarming because Greece has suffered from devastating fireplaces in recent years. In 2024 the warmest year has been recorded since the beginning of the systematic records. The number of forest fires rose by 45 % compared to the average of 2006 to 2023, with three times as many fires reported in June 2024 as in the previous year. On a single day, 66 fire were registered, some of them near Athens, where a mega fire significantly impaired air quality. The reports indicate that experts see a connection between these devastating fire events and climate change.

In response to the increasing threat, the Greek government has taken extensive measures to fight forest fire. This year, 18,000 firefighters are available, more than ever. In order to expand the fire brigade capacities, Greece invests around two billion euros in new fire trucks, fire -fighting aircraft and drones. In particular, 82 drones are used with thermal imaging cameras, almost twice as many as in the previous year. The extinguishing aircraft fleet is also modernized. Seven new water bombers of the type de Havilland Canada DHC-515 are ordered, although their delivery is only planned for 2028. Until then, older models are used to counter the current challenges in forest fire fighting. Over 50 planes and helicopters are mobilized this year.

international support and precautionary measures

The EU shows itself in solidarity and sends 300 firefighters from different countries such as France, the Czech Republic, Moldova, Hungary and Bulgaria to reinforce to Greece. In addition, 22 fire -fighting aircraft and four helicopters are stationed in ten member states to ensure community use. According to the EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, it becomes increasingly normal that extreme weather events occur in Europe, which underlines the urgency of the actions.

While Greece increases its efforts to counteract the immediate dangers of forest fires, experts emphasize that climate change also causes considerable damage in other European countries. According to reports, storms, extreme drought and pests, such as the bark beetle, have severely affected the forests in Germany. In recent years, around 300 million solid wood has been accounted for by long -term calamities, which underlines urgency to take measures to stabilize the forests.

preventive measures for forest protection

In order to minimize future fire risks, experts recommend adapted forest management, which also includes the promotion of biodiversity and carbon binding. Structures such as multi-layered mixed forests can help stabilize the endangered needle tree monocultures. In addition to the state measures, citizens can also contribute to preventing forest fires. Enlightenment campaigns such as “Focus Wald” promote important rules for forest fire prevention, such as avoiding open fire in the forest and compliance with grill bans.