Greece is expanding a modern fire detection network to protect major archaeological sites, monuments and areas of cultural and environmental importance, while giving the Fire Service real-time information during wildfires.
Eight systems are already operational at Mystras, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Dion, Platamonas, Aphaia on Aegina, Peristeria in Messenia and Ancient Olympia.
The systems are designed to detect potential fires at an early stage, automatically issue alerts and transmit images and data in real time to operational control centers.
The network has already demonstrated its capabilities during its trial phase. On July 31, 2026, a fire broke out in Fichtia, in the Argolis region, within the surveillance range of the Mycenae system. The fire detection system identified the blaze and automatically sent an alert, immediately providing the control center with an image of the incident and relevant data.
14 more systems planned
The network is continuing to expand.
Six additional systems are scheduled to become operational by Aug. 31 at the Acropolis of Athens, the Palace of Nestor, Ancient Messene, Osios Loukas, Nicopolis in Preveza and Phaistos.
Another eight systems are planned for September at Knossos, Delphi, Tatoi, Mount Athos, Souriza in Lavreotiki, Dodona, Samothrace and Thasos.
Once these phases are completed, 22 systems will be fully operational, creating an extensive surveillance and early-warning network covering important archaeological sites, monuments and cultural heritage areas across Greece.
Cameras and real-time monitoring
The systems combine thermal and optical cameras capable of rotating 360 degrees, remotely controlled cameras and mapping technology.
The information available to operators includes the location of detected fires, the time an alarm was activated and the status of the equipment. The system is designed to provide a continuous, real-time operational picture to control centers and the Fire Service.
The project also includes weather stations, regional and coordinating control centers, as well as portable firefighting cannons at selected sites to allow fires to be addressed immediately.
The combination of automated detection, live imagery and mapping is intended to help firefighters assess incidents more quickly and organize their response without delay.
Protecting Greece’s cultural heritage
The network is being developed under Greece’s national civil protection program “AIGIS,” with funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
The procurement and installation tender was conducted by the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations as part of efforts to upgrade civil protection equipment and infrastructure.
The project represents a broader investment in technology for early warning, continuous surveillance and faster emergency response, while strengthening the protection of Greece’s cultural heritage from the threat of wildfires.
