It was stated that wildfires in Greece have worsened in recent years. The summer of 2024 was Greece’s hottest on record, and temperatures are again expected to be higher than normal. Fire seasons are longer, and the fires are harder to extinguish. In 2023, Greece experienced the largest single wildfire to scorch Europe since 1980.
Fires like these are testing the country’s firefighting mechanisms and aging infrastructure. The firefighters managing them are bracing for the worst: they stated that they know this is just the beginning.
It was stated that volunteer stations, such as the Volunteer Forest Fire Rescue Team (OEDD) in the Ekali suburb north of Athens, operate alongside state services and have become a mainstay of Greece’s fire season. Funding constraints that began with Greece’s economic crisis more than a decade ago have left the country reliant on roughly 5,000 volunteer firefighters.
Volunteers stated that while local municipalities may cover land use and water costs for their stations, most of their equipment depends on donations.
It was stated that the work of volunteer stations in Greece serves as a model for community-based climate action, providing manpower, technical expertise, and operational support.
It was reported that OEDD was founded in 2000 and formalized as a nonprofit in 2007. Volunteers stated that, in the early years, the Hellenic Fire Service treated them as a nuisance rather than a help. Over time, however, the state began to rely on volunteers, particularly when professional stations were distant. OEDD currently operates six trucks and has over 50 active volunteers.
Volunteers stated that they often maintain and operate aging vehicles, sometimes translating equipment labels or improvising to make older trucks functional. It was also stated that volunteers often purchase or upgrade their own gear, as state-provided equipment may be delayed or insufficient.
It was reported that volunteers organize training exercises, simulations, and community events such as open days to recognize supporters and educate the public. They also conduct their own firefighting training due to limited state instruction.
Experts stated that prevention strategies, including forest management and prescribed burns, are increasingly necessary to reduce wildfire risks.
Legislation passed in 2020 gave volunteer firefighters the right to participate in structure fire suppression and traffic accident response, provided they received formal training. Volunteers stated that the state still lacks sufficient training infrastructure to fully implement the law. Volunteers also face legal and bureaucratic risks when responding to emergencies, particularly on islands or in areas without professional stations.
It was reported that volunteer firefighters across Greece formed the Panhellenic Federation of Voluntary Forest Protection and Firefighting Organizations in 2021 to unify advocacy efforts, improve training access, and influence legislation.
Volunteers stated that their work is essential for communities, and they continue to operate with dedication despite limited resources. Professional firefighters with the Hellenic Fire Service face similar challenges, including outdated equipment, insufficient training, and inadequate funding. It was stated that volunteers in well-funded areas sometimes maintain equipment that surpasses state resources.
Experts stated that professional and volunteer teams rely heavily on each other’s manpower and expertise to manage increasingly intense wildfires. They also stated that the dedication and resilience of volunteers are critical to wildfire response in Greece.
