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Forest
fires have always been part of summer in countries of the
hot, dry southern Mediterranean. Greece is no exception. But
if the summer of 1999 is any indication, measures adopted
to restructure and upgrade Greece's forest fire-fighting capability
can dramatically reduce the toll of fire on the environment.
The turning
point in Greek forest fire management came in 1998, when parliament
passed a law transferring responsibility for planning and
co-ordination of forest fire-fighting from the Forest Service
( Ministry of Agriculture
), to the Fire Department ( Ministry
of Public Order ).
The change
seems to have paid off: the number of forest acres claimed
by fire in the summer of 1999 was the lowest of the past twenty-five
years, and a mere 8% of the previous summer's toll.
Restructuring and Organisation
In view
of its broadened responsibilities, the Fire Department instituted
changes and improvements, including:
- Hiring
new personnel
- Purchases
of equipment
- Detailed
mapping of forested areas
- Revamping
communications systems
- Special
forest seminars for fire-fighters
- Public
awareness campaigns based on modern advertising techniques
Manpower
1,300
fire-fighters were added to the Fire Department's forces last
year.1,500 more are in training for the summer of 2000, and
another 4,000 seasonal workers swell the ranks during the
summer season.
The Ministry
of Public Order also established:
Three
additional EMAC units are being established in Crete,
Patras and Komotini.
Airpower
- Among
the 46 fire-fighting aircraft employed last summer, were
two newly purchased Canadair CL 415 aeroplanes. Two more
will be delivered this year, out of a total ten on order.
- Rentals
included two of the smaller Canadair CL 215 aeroplanes,
a Russian Ilioushin IL76TD - a huge craft capable of carrying
42 tons of water - and four heavy-duty helicopters.
- Two
new helicopters, to be used in patrolling woodlands and
the co-ordination of fire-fighting operations, will be added
to the fleet this summer.
Ground
fleet
Last year,
40 new fire trucks were purchased. An additional 52 are scheduled
for delivery before the summer, along with 200 new auxiliary
vehicles.
Education
Last year's
seminars on forest fire-fighting techniques, conducted by
Greek and Canadian experts for Fire Department officers, will
resume in spring.
Operational
Upgrading
Strategic
planning was a crucial factor in keeping forest fires at bay
in the summer of 1999. Detailed maps of wooded areas and the
structures in and around them (summer camps, monasteries,
houses, etc) were drawn up. During the summer months, areas
were rated daily in a one-to-five risk scale, based on prevailing
weather conditions and ease of access. Preparedness of local
and national forces were adjusted accordingly.
Plans
were also drawn up on a county by county basis, integrating
the participation of local forces with those of the Fire Department.
Smooth communications among all parties involved in fire-fighting
operations were ensured via an upgraded system of telecommunications.
A network of air and ground patrols - comprising members of
the Army, Fire Department and Police Force, as well as teams
of volunteers - was set up to monitor vulnerable areas 24
hours a day.
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