Wildfires are a growing concern in Greece and other countries in Europe, exacerbated by climate change. Greece, in particular, has been dealing with a brutal wildfire season, with hundreds of seasonal firefighters protesting for permanent positions as their contracts expired. The risk of wildfires in Greece has extended beyond the traditional May-October period due to climate change, prompting a need for year-round firefighting capabilities. The 2023 fire season in Greece saw a significant increase in the area burned compared to the annual average of the past decade.
Evangelos Tsoukalas, head of the Seasonal Firefighters’ Association of Greece, highlighted the challenge faced by experienced firefighters who were unable to apply for positions in new special firefighting units due to an age limit of 35. The firefighters’ demand for year-round employment has not yet been addressed by the Greek government. To combat worsening wildfires, Greece is working to improve its firefighting capabilities and has introduced new legislation to reduce the impact of wildfires, such as enforcing the removal of biomass from forest areas.
The hottest June and July on record in Greece this year have contributed to the severity of the wildfire season. Experts are exploring various technical solutions, such as drones and temperature sensors, to better tackle wildfires. Many countries in Europe, including Portugal, Italy, and Croatia, are also struggling to cope with wildfires as global warming leads to more frequent and fast-spreading fires. A European Commission report published in April highlighted that the 2023 wildfire season in Europe was among the worst this century, with about 504,000 hectares scorched by wildfires.
With wildfires becoming more frequent and severe, it is crucial for countries to enhance their firefighting capabilities and implement measures to mitigate the impact of wildfires. The current situation in Greece underscores the challenges faced by seasonal firefighters who are essential in fighting wildfires but struggle to obtain permanent positions. The need for year-round firefighting capabilities is evident as climate change prolongs and intensifies the wildfire season, posing a significant threat to both lives and natural resources.
Investing in technology and resources to better combat wildfires is essential for countries across Europe to prevent further devastation caused by these natural disasters. By implementing effective strategies to address the impact of wildfires and providing support to firefighters, countries can better protect their communities and ecosystems from the increasing threat of wildfires. Climate change is a key factor in the worsening wildfires in Europe, underscoring the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change on natural disasters like wildfires.
