Greece introduces new forest fire risk assessment map

Greece is transforming its approach to forest fires with a National Forest Fire Risk Assessment Map - the first of its kind in decades, reports... EuronewsThe map provides an overview of fire risk for different regions, helping to guide long-term planning and prevention efforts. It also looks at systemic vulnerabilities exacerbated by the climate crisis.

It was welcomed by Civil Protection authorities as a structural breakthrough in improving the assessment and prevention of forest fires in the country.

The new tool, which differs from the Daily Fire Risk Forecast Map, which is issued during the fire season in Greece, is being hailed as one of the most significant reforms in the history of the country's Civil Protection.

Why does Greece need to reform its approach to forest fires?

In recent years, Greece has been devastated by increasingly intense forest firesThey were caused by extreme heat waves, strong winds and problems with the country's forest management and fire prevention policies.

Approved by the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Yannis Kefalogiannis, the National Wildfire Risk Assessment Map seeks to address some of these issues.

How does Greece assess fire risks across the country?

The map was created using data from the past 20 years on regional climate conditions, as well as vegetation types and structures. It also includes the frequency of high-risk days from the Daily Fire Risk Forecast Map.

As a result, municipalities are now classified into three risk categories: low, medium and high. Unlike the previous map, which classified areas by county, the new map uses municipalities as the unit of assessment.

Civil protection authorities emphasize that this allows for more precise planning, targeted fire prevention measures and, most importantly, a fair and efficient allocation of resources.