The Minister of Climate Change and Civil Protection, Vasilis Kikilias, addressed questions regarding the 33-year-old Turk who was arrested for arson in Mount Aigaleo.

“There are questions looming, not only about this case but also about last year’s incidents in Alexandroupolis and Evros,” Mr. Kikilias added, reminding that in the summer of 2023, “we had the ignition of a fire in Alexandroupolis, followed by 19 fire foci within 24 hours, and eventually the 20th in the heart of the Dadia forest.”

“The Evros region and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace are of strategic importance in Northern Greece. They have significant energy, national, and NATO interests,” the minister emphasized.

“I feel that the responsibility doesn’t solely lie with the Fire Service, as we went up to Evros with Mr. Dendias; the Hellenic Police Force is also involved with Mr. Chrysochoidis,” concluded Vasilis Kikilias on Monday night, speaking on STAR TV.

Asked about the attack on volunteers in Parnitha, he said: “I have been informed by the Inspector of Southern Greece of the Hellenic Police that the case has been prosecuted. The Hellenic Police Force has once again done their job, and I want to thank all the men and women of the Force.”

Referring to the amendment of the Penal Code regarding the conversion of negligence arson into a felony, he stated that now “those responsible for negligent acts are being detained, especially those who aim to start fires.”

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Speaking about the changes made this year in the Fire Service regarding the management and tackling of forest fires, he said: “I am satisfied with the way the Fire Service reacts. We have a new doctrine for dealing with forest fires, along with the foresters and forestry departments, local governments, volunteers, the Army, the Police of course, the Coast Guard, and all the forces involved.” He added: “We all need to consider our collective responsibility that the state has, and of course, our individual responsibility regarding our space, our neighborhood, our home, our yard, our plot.”

Finally, commenting on the implementation progress of the Civil Protection equipment program “AEGIS,” he pointed out that it represents “a great dowry for future generations. It will begin to be received from 2025, from the next fire season. It includes everything that new technology has plus new aircraft, Canadairs, helicopters, drones, amphibious vehicles, tractors, artificial intelligence, etc.”