# Forest fires and firefighter labor unrest in Greece

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/forest-fires-and-firefighter-labor-unrest-in-greece
> Updated: 2026-08-31T14:30:55.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

In early August 2026, Greece faced multiple forest fires in the Corinthia and Kozani regions. On August 7, a blaze in the Stefani area of Corinthia, near the Argolis border, began in a zone containing photovoltaic panels and spread to low-lying vegetation. Deputy Mayor of Civil Protection Andreas Poulo reported that firefighting efforts involved 82 firefighters, 24 vehicles, and multiple aircraft. Simultaneously, a separate fire ignited in the Ermakia forest area of Kozani, mobilizing 22 firefighters and additional aerial support.

Parallel to the fire season, labor unrest grew among seasonal firefighters. Following a planned protest in Tripoli on August 10 regarding improved labor conditions and a controversial five-day leave suspension, the movement escalated. On August 31, the Panhellenic Association of Contractual Firefighters led a large-scale protest in front of the Hellenic Parliament.

Protesters are demanding 12-month contracts to replace seasonal status, noting that approximately 25% of the country’s 9,000 active firefighters are seasonal employees. They argue these workers could be utilized year-round for preventative measures like creating firebreaks and controlled burns. The group also raised concerns regarding shortages in personnel, vehicles, and essential equipment. While government representatives received the demands, no official resolution has been announced.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Greek seasonal firefighters protest for permanent jobs

Seasonal firefighters in Greece protested outside Parliament, demanding permanent 12-month contracts and better equipment to replace their current precarious seasonal employment.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-seasonal-firefighters-protest-for-permanent-jobs

### 2026-08-08: Seasonal firefighters in Greece to protest in Tripoli

Seasonal firefighters in Peloponnese, Greece, will protest in Tripoli on August 10, demanding year-round employment and protesting a recent five-day suspension of leave entitlements.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/seasonal-firefighters-in-greece-to-protest-in-tripoli

### 2026-08-06: Greece fights multiple forest fires in Corinth and Kozani regions

Greece battles two forest fires on 7 August 2026: one in Stefani, Corinthia near photovoltaic panels, and another in Ermakia, Kozani, with dozens of firefighters and aircraft deployed.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-fights-multiple-forest-fires-in-corinth-and-kozani-regions

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Cite as: Forest fires and firefighter labor unrest in Greece. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/forest-fires-and-firefighter-labor-unrest-in-greece