POGEDY defends Antinero wildfire prevention program

The Panhellenic Federation of Public Geotechnical Employees (POGEDY) has issued a response to criticisms regarding the Antinero program, emphasizing its role in forest fire prevention. The Federation clarified that the program is strictly dedicated to preventive measures and does not serve as a firefighting mechanism, nor does it replace the Hellenic Fire Service.

Prevention works under the Antinero program include reducing and breaking the continuity of forest fuel, maintaining forest road networks and firebreaks, and creating infrastructure such as water tanks and fire lookout towers. These interventions are designed to facilitate access for ground forces and, under certain conditions, limit the intensity and speed of fire spread.

POGEDY cited recent wildfires in Boeotia, West Attica, and Ilia as examples where preventive works helped. In areas where interventions had been implemented, the fire encountered less fuel and, in some instances, remained creeping on the ground rather than spreading to tree canopies. This helped limit the expansion of fires toward areas such as Megara, Mandra, and Psatha. The Federation stated that ‘prevention does not eliminate the risk’ but rather limits its consequences and protects lives and infrastructure.