The need for high preparedness against the possibility of a fire was mentioned by the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Giannis Kefalogiannis.

“Despite the improved picture this year, some 3,200 fires have already been recorded, a number down on last year, but one that leaves no room for complacency,” he said in an interview with SKAI. At the same time, due to the winds, a level 3 alert has been issued in several areas.

Regarding the available forces, the minister informed that this year the Fire Corps is composed of 18,000 people, of which 2,500 are seasonal personnel who are hired for eight months this year instead of six. “The seasonal people declare their preferred place of recruitment, and this has resulted in cases such as in Skiathos, where some have left because of the high cost of living,” he said, assuring that the vacancies will be filled either by new recruitment or by relocation.

No extension to the deadline for gross land takings

Asked about clean plots, Kefalogiannis was clear: the obligation of owners is to keep their plot clean throughout the anti-fire season. “The extension given this year until June 15 will not be extended further, and after that date, checks by the fire brigade and municipalities will begin. If the land has not been declared on the special platform, a fine of 1,000 euros is imposed, even if it has been cleared, while in cases of false declarations, there is a criminal aspect and fines of up to 50,000 euros,” he stressed.

He also pointed to progress, he said, in terms of the interconnection of municipalities with the ministry’s platform. Unlike last year, when only 185 out of about 330 municipalities were connected, this year they exceed 315, which, the minister noted, allows for better control. At the same time, he stressed that ways of rewarding consistent municipalities through funding are being considered.

The minister said that a new bill will soon be submitted concerning urgent provisions, including for the coverage of critical skills such as pilots and technicians, in view of the receipt of new vehicles through the AIGIS programme. The same bill will also include favourable provisions for firefighters.

Aerial surveillance with 82 drones

Regarding this year’s operational readiness, Kefalogiannis referred to the aerial means that the country will have at its disposal as well as the strengthening of aerial surveillance with 82 drones, which operate 24 hours a day, with thermal cameras and sending a signal directly to the Operations Centre, offering rapid information and intervention.

On the incident in Paranesti, Drama, the minister said there was immediate mobilisation of the forces of the EMAK and the Fire Brigade.

Finally, regarding the proposals of the parties for the establishment of a preliminary investigation committee, Kefalogiannis stressed that the New Republic, with a sense of responsibility, “will not stand in the way of the administration of justice.” “We have submitted a very well-founded proposal regarding this procedure,” he said, adding that “I understand that some parties have tried to exploit this whole procedure politically to serve some petty party purposes.” The minister pointed to the phenomenon of tabling and withdrawing motions, which “creates a worse image in the world, that ultimately there are parties that do not want the truth to be revealed, but rather to serve some purposes inside or outside Parliament.” He concluded by saying that the proposal of New Democracy has been submitted and the MPs of the party will vote for it, expecting the Judicial Council to decide, based on the facts, whether the specific offence is justified and whether the case will proceed.