Greece’s Fire Service is stepping up its readiness ahead of high temperatures and stronger winds expected over the coming days, as weather conditions increase the risk of wildfires.
The combination of rising temperatures, low relative humidity and increasingly dry vegetation could create conditions favorable to the outbreak and rapid spread of fires, according to Fire Service spokesman Giannis Artopios.
Firefighting forces on full alert
Firefighting forces will remain at full operational readiness, while authorities are emphasizing prevention and individual responsibility.
Officials stressed that the operational mobilization of state authorities cannot replace careful behavior by citizens, particularly in areas facing an increased risk of wildfires.
At the same time, 110 drones are conducting 24-hour surveillance of sensitive and critical areas across Greece, including forest ecosystems.
The drones can detect fires and hot spots and, in some cases, assist in identifying potential perpetrators.
“We want to establish a culture of safety in rural areas,” officials said, emphasizing that wildfire prevention is a collective effort involving municipalities, regional authorities and citizens.
308 arrests linked to fires
According to operational data from the Fire Service, 308 people have been arrested since the beginning of the year through the country’s expedited arrest procedure in connection with fire-related cases.
Of those arrests, 272 involved incidents attributed to negligence, while 36 involved suspected deliberate action.
The Fire Service’s primary priority remains protecting human life and physical safety, followed by the protection of property, the natural environment and the country’s natural wealth.
As part of these efforts, Greece has also strengthened its Directorate for Arson Crimes Investigation, along with 37 specialized units responsible for investigating suspected arson incidents.
Investigating arson remains difficult
Investigating arson cases can be particularly challenging because the fire itself, together with weather conditions and especially strong winds, can alter, destroy or eliminate critical evidence.
Despite these difficulties, the strengthening of surveillance systems and investigative procedures has contributed to an increase in arrests linked to suspected arson cases.
However, the Fire Service emphasized that the effectiveness of Greece’s civil protection authorities and other relevant agencies should not be measured solely by the number of arrests.
The primary measure of success, officials said, is reducing the number of fires and improving their prevention.
