Summer 2024, the nightmare of fires returns: Parnitha – "powder keg"

In the photo: fire in Pieria – April 2024

Scientists' forecasts promise us a difficult summer. The fire in the Pieria Mountains, which has been burning for three days, even before the start of the fire season, is a reminder that the climate crisis is already here and showing its teeth.

The state mechanism will be seriously tested, and the new operational doctrine for fighting forest fires will be tested for strength. The first “bells” from scientists have already begun to ring, and incoming warnings indicate that this summer will be even more difficult than the previous one.

“Alarming conditions”

Professor and Chairman of the Faculty of Forestry and Natural Environment at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Alexandros Dimitrakopoulos does not hide his concern. The scientist is referring to the fire in the Pieria mountains, which has not been extinguished for three days in a row, although it is only the beginning of April, as well as the fire in Prespes, not far from the border, which caused alarm.

“With at least two fires occurring quite early in the season in northern Greece (Pieria Ori and Prespes), an even hotter and drier summer is predicted. The effects of climate change have increased temperatures and are creating alarming conditions.”Dimitrakopoulos told Thesstoday.gr.

Mayor Katerini is concerned about the size of the fire and stated that This is the first time he has seen one this big at this time of year. The only positive thing is that the fire is mainly “creeping” (grass and pine needles are burning) and has burned dry vegetation. In several places, the fire burned the tops of trees.

According to the professor, the fire was limited to low vegetation and did not have time to reach the tree trunks. “Luckily it was a surface fire and it didn’t spread to any structures, just the underlying vegetation, which is very good because the trees were saved.”

What do we need

Over the past two years, our country has suffered enormous damage from forest fires. The Dadia fire set a black record for Europe, and Evia also paid a heavy price for it. These events, coupled with this year's data, demonstrate more than ever the urgency of actively fighting forest fires, and Mr. Dimitrakopoulos notes that “the government machinery lacks coordination and active suppression, with forest firefighters putting out fires in the forest rather than waiting “until it begins to threaten residential areas. To put out a fire, you need to enter the forest. This is a matter of mentality, we see that by prioritizing only human lives and property, everything else is lost,” he emphasizes.

Actions of the competent ministry
Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilias talks about a very important breakthrough “with a change in the doctrine of fighting and preventing forest fires”, adding that they have a very big battle ahead of them this summer. According to the minister, this will help cope with fires and problems “faster, more professional, more scientific, with everyone's help, with interoperability.”

Strengthening the mechanism at all levels to “there were fewer fires, quick demarcation of fires and a holistic approach to large fires,” is the main goal of the fire service's new operational doctrine, according to Fire Corps Chief Lt. Gen. Theodoros Vaias.

SOS from Parnita

But this is not enough. The role of local authorities will be decisive this summer, but long-term pathologies will not be eliminated. Like a bomb ready to explode, Parnitha is currently described as an area filled with dry grass, pine needles, dry branches and other flammable materials.

In Agia Paraskevi in ​​Menidi the situation is dramatic. Cut branches and grass on the sidewalks at the edge of the forest turn this area into “powder keg”.

“Almost all areas are in disarray” – says a resident of the area (ALPHA). “Is it easy to find the owners of the plots? We call the municipality and ask them to come and put things in order,” – added another resident.

The municipality of Menidi, which administers the area, has sent notices to owners demanding they remove their plots by the end of April and threatening them with fines. However, if the sites are not cleaned, municipalities will not undertake their cleaning, which every summer leads to well-known tragic consequences.

What is included in the land clearing process?

In accordance with the law, required cleaning includes:

• Trimming and removing dead broken trees and branches, as well as branches that are in direct contact with the building.
• Removal of flammable plant material on the surface of the ground, such as but not limited to fallen leaves, dry grass and overhanging dead branches.
• Removing the base of the tree crown and increasing the height of the crown from the ground surface, depending on the age and species of the tree.
• thinning shrubs in terms of soil cover.
• removal of any flammable, explosive or combustible materials, objects and debris.
• Site owners must ensure that all waste is collected and transported safely and the abandonment, dumping or uncontrolled disposal of such waste is prohibited.
• Municipalities must ensure that private citizens' obligations to carry out cleaning and maintain cleanliness are met.

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