The urgent need for investment in artificial intelligence and new technologies for the prevention of fires, PASOK MEP Sakis Arnaoutoglou stressed in a statement, on the occasion of the latest fires in Parnitha, Keratea and other parts of Greece, and called on the government and the competent bodies to take initiatives in this direction.

Arnaoutoglou noted that the latest fires have highlighted the urgent need for more effective measures to prevent natural disasters. In this context, he considers it imperative to use new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and drones, which can play a key role in the early detection and response to fires.

In particular, the MEP pointed out that artificial intelligence can be used to analyse big data and predict high-risk areas and play an important role in fire prevention with innovative solutions for early detection, prediction and fighting.

He also cited examples including artificial intelligence cameras for smoke and flame detection, sensor networks for heat and drought monitoring, data analysis for risk prediction and fire behavior modeling. In addition, drones and robotic systems are helping to detect and fight fires in hard-to-reach areas and can provide immediate and detailed insight into the situation, allowing firefighters to intervene quickly and accurately. With these technologies we can reduce damage and protect human life and the environment, according to Arnaoutoglou.

The PASOK MEP called on the government and the relevant bodies to invest directly in these technologies and to strengthen efforts to educate and train personnel in the field of prevention and response to natural disasters. According to him, the protection of our forests and communities is a top priority and we need a coordinated and technologically informed action plan to achieve this goal.

Finally, Mr. Arnaoutoglou pledged that in cooperation with his colleagues in the Socialists and Democrats Group of the European Parliament, he will directly bring the issue of prevention using new technologies to the European institutions to find a way to finance it.