...Lest aerial firefighting should not be the solution for greek forest fires? - Redstar e-Bookstore

G. Maridakis and C. Panitsidis
August, 13th 2018

A critical look at Greece’s aerial firefighting policies, forest fire preparedness, and the need for systemic reform.

Mourning before critique

Following the tragic fires in Greece, more lives have been claimed by the consequences of that fateful day. On Monday, 23 July 2018, in the Attic suburbs of Athens, two major fires broke out and led to scenes of funeral songs and lamentation. On our website, we chose not to publish immediate commentary - that would have been, at the very least, disrespectful to the memory of the 95 dead. Over time, and after walking through the charred paths of horror, we now offer this article as a testimony - as a libation to so many lives lost unjustly.

...Lest aerial firefighting should not be the solution for greek forest fires?

The enduring myths

Mythology has always played a central role in Greek life since ancient times. Alongside mythology, paradoxes have also claimed their place of honour.

A persistent myth is that Greeks must always have an external enemy to justify the hardships they face - rather than considering that, through acts and omissions, they may have created a hostile environment for themselves. Since self-criticism has long been difficult, when no enemy can be found, one is often invented. This habit continues to the present day.

Each year, preparations are made to combat forest fires. Between May and June, as the firefighting season begins, politicians visit the bases of amphibian aircraft and declare the fleet ready, presenting the nation as shielded against the fiery threat.

...Lest aerial firefighting should not be the solution for greek forest fires?

The myth of fleet readiness

In reality, these declarations often have little basis in fact. How else can one interpret a situation where, out of a national fleet of 18 amphibian aircraft, 14 were grounded by mid-July? Is it possible that the greatest enemy of the Greeks is their own State?

The national fleet and private helicopters

Beyond the Hellenic Air Force’s amphibian aircraft - operated with remarkable self-sacrifice despite a shortage of spare parts and adverse conditions - the State leases helicopters from private companies. These helicopters are intended to supplement the national fleet and potentially increase the total water volume delivered to fires.

The national fleet costs the taxpayer around €18 million per year (18 aircraft × 100 flight hours × €10,000 per hour). The leasing of private helicopters costs, on average, €22 million annually, covering four months of service with 120 guaranteed hours per helicopter. Hourly rates vary from €10,000 to €25,000.

The myth of transparent procurement

Despite annual assurances of transparency in public tenders, the reality often falls short. How else can one explain contracts awarded to companies that have declared bankruptcy or to “ghost” firms without offices, sometimes with share capital as little as €5,000? Can such entities truly meet the Government Procurement Regulations on guarantees? Who will finally inform the taxpayer of these distortions?

Paradox 1

Despite declarations of readiness, additional helicopter leases, and the claim that Greece possesses one of the largest aerial firefighting fleets, disaster strikes. Although the length of Greece’s intricate, lacy coastline approaches that of China or 70% of North America’s shores — and although Greece is washed by three seas, nature’s own fire retardants - more than 17,000 seaside acres burned on 23 July in areas adjacent to Elefsina airport, the main base for firefighting aircraft and helicopters.

...Lest aerial firefighting should not be the solution for greek forest fires?

One must ask: How did vast coastal areas so close to the sea and firefighting resources turn to ash? After so much preparation, €40 million spent, and intense debate over helicopter suppliers - including contracts awarded to newly registered companies of minimal capital - perhaps we must ask: lest aerial firefighting should not be the solution for Greek forest fires?

Searching for accountability

In the aftermath of such disasters, investigations routinely blame strong winds, illegal buildings in forested areas, or individual negligence - but rarely the failures of State authority.

It is time to face reality. Unless we confront the true dimensions of the problem and seek genuine solutions, we will remain trapped in this endless cycle.

As early as 2007, after the deadly fires in the Peloponnese and Evia, senior Fire Brigade officials warned of insufficient reserves to deal with multiple concurrent fronts. What has improved since?

Toward a redefinition of policy

Today, with climate change worsening conditions, Greece must protect lives, economic activities, and natural resources in an increasingly hazardous environment. This calls for a redefinition of policy guidelines.

Paradox 2

Greece, they say, is the land of light - yet the tree of knowledge seems inconveniently planted.

A critical aspect of environmental and life protection is educating citizens about self-protection. There is untapped potential within Greek society - people of knowledge, experience, international respect, and integrity - who could play a leading role in prevention and rescue efforts at limited cost and with far greater results.

The way forward

Greece should pursue bilateral and multilateral agreements to allocate resources to the best firefighting practices. The country has abundant seawater - the challenge is transporting it to fires. If aerial firefighting is truly the solution, then Greece must invest in a well-managed, sufficiently sized amphibian fleet and the infrastructure to support it, while avoiding waste and inefficiency.

Amid illegal settlements, recurring arson, impunity, and the weakening of lawful order, Greece’s political class frequently presents itself as the guardian of the national interest. Still, their efforts all too often appear more focused on the preservation of personal privilege than on genuine service to the public.

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