“In the period with the most difficult fire-meteorological conditions of the last 40 years, 27,856 hectares of high-value forest burned, while the corresponding 20-year average is 117,800 hectares. Which means that this year we had a 76.45% reduction in burned acres of high value forest” said the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, in an interview he gave to radio station SKAI 100.3 and journalist Aris Portosalte.

Referring to further data presented yesterday at the event for the evaluation of the fire fighting season, in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Mr. Kikilias emphasized that in 2024 there was a total decrease of burned acres by 13.67% compared to the average of the last 20 years, with 191,000 acres of grassland, reed residues and crops.

“An excellent job was done cross-functionally: From the Fire Department, Civil Protection, volunteers, the Greek Police, the Army, the foresters and the local authorities, based on the new doctrine for dealing with forest fires” pointed out the Minister, noting: “So we protected our forests, we protected people’s property, above all human life, and we showed that the state can be organized when it wants to. With the help of new technologies, drones and laden aerial vehicle patrols. With the ability to monitor our forces and the progress of fires in the Ministry’s Operations Center from the ENGAGE system, so that we can move more quickly to deal with them effectively. Also with 112 so that we can inform our fellow citizens early and get them away from danger. A new Ministry, which has been created, 2.1 billion euros given by K. Mitsotakis for the AEGIS program and concerns the procurement of, among others, Canadair, medium-type helicopters, 110 drones, artificial intelligence and 1200 fire engines, which – after the quick completion of the tenders – we will start receiving from 2025. This is correct , serious work in favor of the citizen and his security”.