Fresh fires keep authorities on high alert

Greece remains on high alert after scores of brush fires have been sparked in the last 24-hours.

The country’s Fire Service counted a total of 81 blazes nationwide with 74 being swiftly contained in their initial stages. Seven of them, however, remained unchecked.

The recent outbreaks have prompted investigations by police as fire fighting services issued fresh

advisories to the public urging vigilance and adherence to directives in the event of fires, emphasizing the importance of public safety.

The fresh outbreaks come despite measures the government introduced in recent weeks to safeguard against forest fires, following a deadly fire season in 2021. 

New measures introduced include the recruitment of additional firefighters, deployment of military forces and bans on various activities in wooded areas during high-risk periods. 

Greece is also on a fast-track €2.1 billion program to modernize its fleet of water tankers and establish an artificial intelligence-driven sensor network for early smoke detection.

The initiative is part of a broader national strategy that encompasses state-of-the-art intelligent fire detection and extinguishing systems, early warning systems for natural and man-made disasters, and equipment for the immediate control and timely detection of health threats

As the country braces for another fire season, these measures reflect a commitment to prevention and a determination to avoid a repeat of past disasters, officials say.

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