Raging wildfires fueled by strong Santa Ana winds are ravaging the Los Angeles area, forcing over 70,000 residents to evacuate. Firefighters are battling three major blazes: the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and Hurst Fire.
Tag: wildfires
Greece and Australia are strengthening their collaboration to tackle the growing threat of wildfires. In a recent meeting, Greek Minister Vasilis Kikilias and Australian Ambassador Alison Duncan discussed plans for enhanced cooperation, including an educational visit by Greek Fire Service officials to New South Wales. The initiative aims to exchange expertise and reinforce ties between the two nations in addressing climate-related challenges.
Greece faced 9,500 wildfires in 2023, its hottest and driest year on record, burning nearly 44,500 hectares of land. While the number of fires rose by 7.5% compared to the last 20 years, swift action from authorities reduced the affected area by 14%. Minister Vassilis Kikilias highlighted the growing challenge of fires occurring outside the traditional fire season, with climate change driving more extreme weather patterns in the country.
At the Green Deal 2024 conference, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias addressed the ongoing firefighting season and the challenges faced by fire brigades. He reported that, despite the official end of the fire season, new fires have broken out in several regions, contributing to a total of 9,000 incidents this year. Kikilias described the current situation as one of the most difficult in the past 30 to 35 years. He also discussed the AEGIS project, noting significant progress with tenders worth 1.8 billion euros and the imminent signing of contracts for new weather stations and radars—essential tools that Greece has been without since 2004.
Greece and several European countries are grappling with worsening wildfires intensified by climate change. On Thursday, hundreds of seasonal firefighters protested in Athens as their contracts expired following a devastating wildfire season. Representing about 2,500 firefighters, they demanded permanent positions, highlighting the extended risk of wildfires that now requires year-round firefighting capabilities. This year’s season began unusually early and has seen over 4,500 wildfires, burning more land than the annual average. The Greek government’s response to their demands for year-round employment remains unclear.
A fire broke out earlier this evening (October 23) in the Petalída area of Kimolos,…
Climate change is threatening Greece’s butterfly population, with rising temperatures leading to food scarcity, shorter flowering seasons, and shrinking body sizes. Scientists from the MEIOSIS project are studying over 50,000 specimens to track this decline. Increasing wildfires and habitat loss further endanger the species, forcing butterflies to migrate to cooler areas where survival is uncertain.
In a parliamentary session focused on wildfires, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of the emergency number 112 in saving lives. He reported that this year has been the most challenging in the last 40 years, with 9,101 fires recorded compared to 7,163 last year. While 1,754,000 acres burned last year, this year saw 440,000 acres affected. Mitsotakis emphasised that the Mediterranean is at the heart of the climate crisis, facing increasing challenges that require ongoing attention and response.
Australian companies McDermott Aviation and Pay’s Air Service have been instrumental in supporting Greek firefighting efforts this summer, deploying 28 aircraft and 250 crew members. Their commitment to leveraging expertise and resources has proven vital in combating the devastating wildfires, showcasing the strength of international collaboration in times of crisis.
Greece has unveiled a revised climate plan with ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for 82% of electricity generation from solar and wind power by 2030. This plan exceeds previous goals and supports the EU’s effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55%. As the country faces increasing climate impacts, including wildfires and floods, Greece plans to invest €95 billion by 2030 to enhance energy efficiency, expand renewables, and bolster infrastructure against extreme weather.
Over €12.8 million in disaster relief has been distributed to businesses in Thessaly and Evros impacted by severe floods and wildfires in 2023. The aid, processed through the “myBusinessSupport” platform, supports 1,313 businesses as part of a government effort led by the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection and other agencies. The majority of funds were directed to flood-hit Thessaly, while relief in Evros focused on tourism businesses affected by wildfires.
The European Union has rushed aerial firefighting support to Greece as wildfires continue to burn across the country. Firefighting planes from Croatia, Cyprus, France, and Italy, along with helicopters from Slovenia and Slovakia, have been deployed through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Two Italian Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft, renowned for their water-bombing capabilities, are being deployed to the Peloponnese region of Greece to combat the devastating wildfires currently engulfing the area. The deployment is a direct response to a call for assistance through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, highlighting the critical role of international cooperation in times of crisis.
Two Italian Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft, renowned for their water-bombing capabilities, are being deployed to the Peloponnese region of Greece to combat the devastating wildfires currently engulfing the area. The deployment is a direct response to a call for assistance through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, highlighting the critical role of international cooperation in times of crisis.
Greece saw a 24% reduction in burnt land during 2024, despite facing its toughest fire season in 40 years. Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias credited the success to coordinated firefighting efforts, rapid response strategies, and advanced technology, including drones and aerial patrols. The government’s €2.1 billion investment in civil protection also played a crucial role in mitigating fire damage.
More than 5,000 firefighters are battling fierce wildfires raging across Portugal, fueled by soaring temperatures and dry conditions. The EU, Greece, and other nations have pledged support as the fires have tragically claimed the lives of at least three people, including a firefighter.
Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias revealed in a recent interview that Greece…
A massive fire erupted near Platanias on the west coast of Crete on Wednesday, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of tourists from two large hotels. The blaze, which started in a reed bed and spread quickly due to strong winds, forced authorities to evacuate the western part of the town. Despite the efforts of over 90 firefighters and three tanker helicopters, the fire was only contained to a stable perimeter by late afternoon and remained uncontrolled. The current heat waves and dried vegetation have exacerbated the situation, with another fire reported in northern Greece. This follows a recent devastating fire in Athens that destroyed over 10,000 hectares and caused significant damage.
A sunken Greek village, Kallio, has resurfaced for the first time in 30 years due to record-breaking heat and severe drought. The village, submerged in the late 1970s to create the Mornos reservoir, has reemerged as water levels dropped by 30 percent. This phenomenon highlights the growing impact of climate change on Greece, which has faced its hottest summer on record and widespread water shortages.
Α 80-year-old man who was arrested on a warrant, as the culprit of causing four fires in Glyka Nera last Sunday, August 11, will testify to the examining magistrate on Wednesday.