Forest fires have become a permanent fixture in everyday life in Greece, and last year the government was incredibly slow in reacting to their destructive force, showing clear signs of organizational weakness.

Much has been done to remedy the situation since last summer. One of the most important steps is that the leadership of the competent ministry has been put on 24-hour alert and is in a state of constant readiness.

However, dealing with forest fires is not just the state’s responsibility – it is everybody’s business, it is the duty of society as a whole.

When we learned that the recent fire at Oinofyta, north of Athens, was caused by an individual who decided to set fire to a wasp’s nest in the middle of a heat wave, it became patently clear that each and every one of us has a responsibility in this matter.

We can no longer afford to sit around waiting for the state to step in, because when it comes to the protection of the environment everyone must show an interest and act.