On the occasion of the launch of the firefighting season and citing the large number of fires that occurred in March (over 1,365), the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Yiannis Kefalogiannis interviewed ERT, warning that, despite the most rains this year.

In terms of prevention, he stressed his criticality cleaning of the plots. As he explained, this is an obligation to ourselves, the neighbors and the environment, as we have a significant reduction in the chances of developing and expanding a fire. He emphasized that the implementation of this policy, which began last year, has proven to be effective, since in areas where the plots were cleaned, the fires were less devastating or rapidly restricted. He pointed out, however, that there is margin in cooperation between private and municipalities. The minister also referred to a significant increase in funding for municipalities, as the interior ministry has allocated 40m euros this year for civil protection, up 33% compared to the previous year.

Also reported to the emergency system 112where he emphasized his importance for the protection of human life during natural disasters. Although the use of the system has been criticized for sending messages to areas that were not immediately threatened, the minister stressed that the activation of 112 is based on suggestions and is not a political decision. Despite criticism, the use of the system is considered necessary for the rescue of human lives, which remains the first priority of civil protection.

Mr. Kefalogiannis underlined her Historically greater staffing of the Fire Brigade which has 18,000 women and men, including 2,500 seasonal firefighters hired in the coming days, as well as the valuable assistance of 10,500 volunteers. He pointed out that the combined reinforcement of human resources with the investment of volatile media and new technologies is critical to effectively dealing with risks.

Minister Kefalogiannis referred to Availability of 80-85 aerial mediacombining privately owned and leased aircraft and helicopters. Of particular importance is attributed to the increased number of surveillance drones, which reach 82 and cover the whole territory, continuously providing data to the National Business Coordination Center (ESKEDIK). Drones, equipped with thermal cameras, will grow in areas with high danger, such as Attica, Crete, the Peloponnese and the Ionian Islands.

Regarding the request for help from Israel for fires, the minister explained that, due to strong winds and high risk of fires in Greece, no air means could be sent for the next 24 hours. However, Greece has declared availability to provide assistance to ground forces and means, if needed.