Summer Wildfires in Greece: Problems and Proposed Solutions

By Constantinos Kyprios*

Every summer, Greece faces serious problems with devastating wildfires that damage the country’s infrastructure and citizens’ properties, causing enormous economic losses. Although the country has one of the largest fleets of firefighting aircraft in Europe, wildfires are often difficult to extinguish. So, how can the situation be improved?

A fleet of 48 firefighting aircraft, like the one Greece possesses, could theoretically handle any wildfire. However, there are practical issues. First, it is not feasible for all aircraft to be available at the same time, as they require regular maintenance, and the crews also need rest. The issue of crew rest can be relatively easily resolved by adopting the Israeli model—namely, the creation of multiple backup crews for each aircraft, ensuring continuous staffing and, consequently, ongoing flights even during periods of intense activity.

The main problem, however, is geographical. Greece is a predominantly mountainous country, with narrow passes, gorges, and inaccessible areas. In such terrain, fires are difficult to fully extinguish, and there is a constant risk of flare-ups, as aircraft are unable to operate effectively in such confined spaces.

The solution must involve the use of other means that can reach difficult terrain:

·         Helicopters are ideal for operations in gorges and challenging areas, offering flexibility and precision in firefighting.

·         Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) can detect hotspots and coordinate the actions of aerial and ground units more accurately.

·         Armored conversion vehicles can move through rough terrain, carry large amounts of water, and withstand high temperatures due to their armor. They could serve as valuable ground firefighting units in areas where other vehicles have no access.

Combating wildfires requires a combination of strategy, technology, and effective resource allocation. The fleet of firefighting aircraft alone is not enough; a comprehensive approach is needed that utilizes all available resources, tailored to the geography and specific challenges of the country.

Constantinos Kyprios

Strategic Analyst