On Wednesday, April 8, 2025, Greece’s Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannis, sounded the alarm over the upcoming fire season during a preparatory meeting, emphasising that prevention is critical to safeguarding lives, property, infrastructure, and the environment.
The minister underscored the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in tackling what he described as an increasingly dire situation driven by climate change.
“There are no ‘optimistic scenarios’ ahead of us,” Kefalogiannis warned, pointing to the escalating impacts of the climate crisis. He highlighted the extreme weather patterns of 2024, which brought low rainfall, minimal snowfall, prolonged heatwaves, severe drought, and heightened fire risks. “This year’s forecasts are equally troubling,” he added, noting that the effects of climate change demand constant vigilance and readiness.
The minister cited alarming statistics: in just one week of March 2025, unusually high temperatures sparked 1,356 wildfires across Greece. The Fire Service battled these blazes, which destroyed 4,145 hectares of forests, grasslands, and farmland. “Climate change requires our unwavering attention and preparedness,” he stressed.
Focus on Prevention and Coordination
Kefalogiannis called for meticulous preparation, systematic coordination, and proactive measures to ensure the 2025 fire season is managed effectively. “Our collective goal is to reduce the number of fire outbreaks, swiftly contain those that occur, and adopt a holistic approach to large-scale fires,” he said. Success, he emphasized, hinges on robust prevention and constant readiness.
Drawing lessons from past experiences in Greece and abroad, the minister revealed that the Greek Fire Service is undergoing continuous training, tapping into scientific expertise from both Greek and international academic communities. Collaboration with the Forestry Service, Air Force, and local authorities remains ongoing to enhance wildfire response, aerial firefighting, and real-time field reporting to the National Coordination Center (ESKEDIK).
Over 3,500 Firefighters Deployed in Attica
For the Attica region, a key wildfire hotspot, more than 3,500 firefighters will be mobilised this season, including permanent staff, Special Forest Operations Units, five-year contract firefighters, and seasonal recruits. Volunteers also play a vital role, with 800 Fire Service volunteers and a target of 1,361 Civil Protection volunteers from 70 groups supporting efforts in Attica.
The Armed Forces, through their upgraded Disaster Response and Construction Command, have slashed response times to wildfires, while €89 million from the AntiNero 1, 2, 3, and 4 programs has funded forest cleanups and firebreaks in Attica’s woodlands.
Local Authorities Urged to Step Up
Kefalogiannis praised the “commendable effort” of Attica’s municipalities in enforcing property cleanup regulations—a crucial preventive measure—compared to other regions. He urged local governments to intensify these efforts, including linking to the national platform and imposing fines where necessary to eliminate negligence or inaction. “Whoever fails to prepare, prepares to fail,” he said, quoting Benjamin Franklin.
The minister also highlighted the pivotal role of citizens, noting that civil protection is both a collective and individual responsibility. He expressed confidence that all involved parties would rise to the challenge, pledging the full support of his ministry and the Fire Service leadership.
A Unified Effort
The meeting brought together key figures, including the ministry’s political leadership, Fire Service officials, Attica’s regional government, mayors, military representatives, police, ambulance services, utility companies, forestry officials, highway operators, and volunteers. Their shared goal: to coordinate and ensure Attica’s readiness for the fire season ahead.
As Greece braces for another challenging summer, Kefalogiannis’s message was clear: only through prevention, preparation, and collective action can the country protect itself from the growing threat of wildfires.