Greece will deploy around 18,000 firefighters, more than 100 surveillance drones and up to 85 aircraft during this year’s wildfire season, the government said Friday.
A meeting held at the Maximos Mansion reviewed preparedness plans for the season, with officials stating that the Fire Service currently numbers 17,727 permanent and seasonal firefighters. That figure is expected to rise to 18,804 by the end of the year.
The firefighting fleet will include 4,300 vehicles and between 80 and 85 aircraft available daily, including 33 state-owned planes and 51 leased aircraft.
Authorities said 21 forest commando units will operate this season with a combined force of 1,450 personnel. The first six units were established in 2022 as part of efforts to strengthen rapid-response capabilities in difficult terrain.
More than 100 drones equipped with thermal cameras, along with three mobile drone operations centers, will also be deployed to assist with fire detection and monitoring.
