Europe Sends Largest Ever Firefighting Contingent to Greece for 2025 Wildfire Season

Between July 1 and September 15, crews from Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Moldova, and Romania will be stationed in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras. Their mission includes:

Greece will receive unprecedented European firefighting support this summer, with 323 firefighters from six nations deploying across the country as part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. This marks the largest single deployment in Europe’s 2024 wildfire preparedness efforts.

Between July 1 and September 15, crews from Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Moldova, and Romania will be stationed in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras. Their mission includes:

-Direct wildfire suppression support alongside Greek firefighters

-Joint training exercises to enhance cross-border operational coordination

Now in its fourth consecutive year, the program strengthens Europe’s collective wildfire response. Preparations included a May 20 seminar in Greece for international liaison officers, with team leader training scheduled for late June.

For the second year running, Greece is both a recipient and provider of firefighting aid. While hosting EU teams, a 20-member unit from Greece’s Special Forest Operations Unit (EMODE) will deploy to Corsica in September to assist French forces.

With wildfires growing more intense due to climate change, the EU is expanding its support network. Beyond Greece, 641 firefighters from 14 countries will also be stationed in France, Portugal, and Spain this summer.

Source: greek city times