Greece Reports Improved Fire-Fighting Outcomes Amid Climate Challenges

At a recent event reviewing the 2024 fire-fighting season, Greek Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vasilis Kikilias, alongside Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, highlighted the effectiveness of Greece's updated civil protection strategy despite facing extreme conditions, CE Report quotes Athens-Macedonian

Kikilias noted that the updated doctrine and operational redesign of Civil Protection were crucial in responding to an increased number of forest fire incidents. The number of fires from January 1 to October 31, 2024, rose by 7.42% compared to the 20-year average, reaching 9,500 fires compared to an average of 8,844. Notably, 3,525 fires occurred outside the designated fire season, indicating a concerning trend likely linked to climate change.

Despite the higher frequency of fires, there was a 13.67% reduction in the total area burned. Kikilias reported that 444,500 hectares were affected in 2024, compared to a 20-year average of 515,000 hectares. One of the most significant achievements was a 76.45% reduction in burned forest areas, reflecting improved preventive and responsive measures.

The minister emphasized that protecting human life remains the top priority, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.