Greece to recruit 1,200 firefighters by 2027

Evangelos Tornaras, the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, has announced plans to strengthen the Hellenic Fire Service through significant personnel recruitment. The plan includes hiring 600 temporary firefighters this year and an additional 600 in 2027. Other measures include increasing annual academy admissions from 170 to 330 and extending the employment period for seasonal firefighters from six to eight months.

Reviewing the recent wildfire season, Tornaras reported that 3,960 fires were recorded through the end of September, representing a 29.28% decrease compared to the average of the last two decades. Burned areas totaled 335,706 stremmata, a 37.56% reduction relative to the same average. While 99.7% of incidents were addressed immediately, the Minister noted that two-thirds of the burned land resulted from just four major fires within a four-day period, exacerbated by extreme winds.

Despite the statistical improvements, the Minister emphasized that human losses and destruction prevent complacency. He stressed the need for continuous training, better personal protective equipment, and clear communication to ensure the safety of personnel in the field.