Forest fires in Greece and Turkey drive calls for advanced prevention

Forest fires in Greece and Turkey are causing significant environmental and economic damage, driven by climate change, extreme heat, and drought. In Greece, data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) indicates that over 300,000 dönums of forest were destroyed during the 2026 summer season. A major fire in the Viotia region, described by experts as a ‘mega fire’, consumed approximately 110,000 dönums, threatening coastal towns and local ecosystems.

Experts warn that the destruction of Aleppo pine forests may lead to permanent changes in vegetation, potentially replacing pine forests with a mosaic of broad-leaved trees and shrubs if the area is not hit by another fire within 10 to 15 years. The loss of habitat also poses a severe threat to local fauna.

In Turkey, AXA Türkiye CEO Yavuz Ölken emphasizes that prevention is as critical as response. Highlighting the risks posed by human negligence and extreme weather, Ölken advocates for ‘preventive insurance’ and the use of advanced technologies, such as AI-supported risk mapping and early warning systems, to mitigate losses. There are also calls in Greece to utilize drones for 24-hour forest surveillance to detect causes and prevent outbreaks before they escalate.