As Greece confronts another summer of high wildfire risk fueled by climate change and drought, authorities are deploying a bolstered response that leans heavily on new technology and international cooperation to support a strained domestic force.
The country's 2025 firefighting strategy includes an expanded fleet of 82 drones for early fire detection and 21 elite Forest Commando units on the ground.
The total force numbers over 18,000 personnel, including permanent staff, contract workers, and seasonal firefighters, along with 10,500 volunteers.
However, officials report a persistent staffing gap of approximately 4,000 positions and an aging workforce with an average age of 47.
To supplement its own aging fleet of aircraft, Greece is relying on extensive international support. Through EU, NATO, and U.S. agreements, 49 leased aircraft, including large Air Crane helicopters, are operating in the country.
Additionally, 323 European firefighters will be stationed in key locations until mid-September.
With human negligence or arson causing most fires, the government has also toughened penalties. Property owners face fines up to 1,000 euros for failing to clear their land of combustible brush, while arson has been reclassified as a felony with harsher sentences.