Μake us preferred on Google Greece’s Fire Service has introduced a new set of fire prevention and response requirements for mobile phone antennas and other telecommunications infrastructure located in forests and woodland, aiming to reduce the risk of fires starting at unmanned or remote facilities.
The rules cover antenna structures, radio communication base stations and associated equipment on land governed by forestry legislation. They establish requirements for vegetation management, generator and fuel tank safety, fire detection, firefighting equipment and emergency preparedness.
The circular, numbered 58293 οικ. Φ.701.45.3 and dated October 16, 2026, was signed by Fire Service Chief Lt. Gen. Theodoros Vagias. It applies to new installations and requires existing sites to make adjustments within two years, where practically feasible.
Covered equipment includes antenna masts and towers, outdoor cabinets, equipment shelters, underground chambers, electrical panels, generators and fuel tanks. Equipment located inside buildings, such as telephone exchanges and data centers, is excluded.
Clearance zones around telecommunications equipment
A central requirement is reducing combustible vegetation around installations to limit the risk of flames spreading to nearby equipment and trees.
The circular recommends a completely cleared zone extending at least 1 to 3 meters from the base of an antenna mast or tower, equipment shelter or cabinet. The area should remain free of combustible vegetation and, where possible, be covered with gravel, concrete or bare soil.
A wider zone extending up to 10 meters should have a reduced fuel load. This involves removing dry grass, branches, leaves and other flammable material, clearing herbaceous and shrub vegetation, and trimming tree branches to a height of 2.5 meters above the ground.
Where the risk of fire spreading to trees is higher, protective clearances of 20 to 30 meters are recommended. The appropriate distance should take into account the terrain’s slope, vegetation and prevailing winds.
Fences must also be kept clear of dry or climbing vegetation, while access routes must allow firefighting vehicles to reach the installations quickly.
New safeguards for generators and fuel storage
Telecommunications sites equipped with generators and stored fuel must maintain a minimum safety distance of three meters between the fuel-related equipment and the shelter or cabinet, antenna mast and fully cleared zone.
Fuel storage systems must include spill containment capable of holding at least 110% of the tank’s capacity. An automatic fuel shutoff must also activate in the event of a leak or overheating.
A suitable fire extinguisher for flammable-liquid fires must be available near each generator. The guidelines also call for appropriate lightning protection.
For unmanned installations, the circular recommends smoke or heat detectors capable of sending remote alerts to the network’s operations center, allowing operators to be notified of a potential fire.
Fire suppression and emergency planning
The rules specify which firefighting methods should be used inside telecommunications equipment shelters. Water and foam are not permitted as extinguishing agents in these spaces. Instead, the circular recommends clean-agent extinguishing systems or inert gases.
Each site should have a designated fire extinguisher station containing at least one carbon dioxide extinguisher and one dry-powder extinguisher.
Every installation must also have a fire protection study prepared by a qualified engineer and an emergency response plan. The plan must outline how to alert the Fire Service, provide access information and geographic coordinates, and identify a contact person available around the clock.
It must also include arrangements to maintain critical services, including emergency calls to Greece’s 112 number, through alternative stations if an installation becomes unavailable.
Annual training is required for employees and contractors.
Two-year adjustment period for existing sites
The circular takes effect once it is published on Diavgeia, the Greek government’s transparency portal, and applies to all new installations. Existing antenna sites must be brought into compliance within two years to the extent that the necessary changes are practically feasible.
The new framework also replaces relevant circulars issued in 2006 and 2013. Its requirements supplement existing legislation, with stricter measures taking precedence wherever they already apply.
