Photo: A helicopter drops water over a fire in Nea Makri, east of Athens, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. Copyright Michael Varaklas/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved
Recent extreme heat conditions in southern Europe have caused numerous wildfires, with local and European responsible authorities working in full capacity in fire prevention, protection and suppression.
Wildfires in Athens have wreaked havoc on the region, leaving widespread destruction in their wake. The fires spread rapidly across the outskirts of the city, threatening homes, infrastructure, and lives. Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate as the flames closed in and despite the relentless efforts of firefighters, the scale and intensity of the fires have made containment difficult, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of the region to such devastating events.
Simultaneously, the southern regions of France are facing a high risk of wildfires due to an ongoing heatwave and prolonged drought conditions. Local authorities have raised the alert level, warning residents and tourists to remain vigilant. Firefighters in these regions are on high alert, with additional resources being deployed to monitor and respond to potential outbreaks, but the conditions remain precarious.
The collaboration between the two European countries in the field of fire management and civil protection is ongoing.
In June 2024, 25 Greek fire fighters spent two weeks with the Fire Service of the Herault department in Southern France for training, education and exchange of knowledge and good practices.
#LeSaviezVous 🇪🇺🇬🇷 Dans le cadre du Mécanisme de protection civile de l’Union, 25 pompiers grecs @civilprotectgr ont intégré le SDIS 34 aux côtés des @PompiersHerault.
🧑🚒🚒Partage d’expériences, manœuvres communes, coopération… Pendant 15 jours, ils ont pu participer au… pic.twitter.com/DNdCeBvdAz
— Sécurité Civile (@SecCivileFrance) July 17, 2024
Last week, France through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, dispatched a Super Puma helicopter equipped with a water bucket along with 180 civil security firefighters and rescuers and 55 vehicles. The Herrault department Fire Service participates in the specific mission with personnel, equipment and vehicles that have reached Athens via Italy.
#MPCU|| En Grèce 🇬🇷 ce matin avec la complicité de Martina Benassi #Officier de liaison du centre de coordination de la réaction d’urgence #ERCC
🔺Visite du Centre des Opérations 🔺Échange avec les pompiers Helléniques
🔺Présentation du contour du feu 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hFNYSNwHll— Pompiers 34 🇫🇷 (@PompiersHerault) August 17, 2024
Our Advanced Partner, the French General Direction of Civil Protection and Crisis Management (DGSCGC) of the Ministry of Interior, is working tirelessly with other French national and local authorities to manage the ongoing situation. Lieutenant-Colonel Frédéric Harrault of the DGSCGC has made a number of public interventions on national TV and radio channels, providing the public with important information and his expert views on the subject.
LTC Harrault’s presence in morning and evening news in France TV and the RTL radio station during the last days, indicates the importance of fire risk communication and the attention given to the specific subject by our SEMEDFIRE Advanced Partner.
Relevant articles (in French), including LTC Harrault’s TV and Radio presence by Franceinfo and RTL.fr can be found by clicking on the photos below.
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