OPINION

Dealing with forest fires

The problem is not just the forest fires. It is also that year after year we learn nothing from them. Most importantly, the state apparatus has not found ways to tackle them. Everyone knows that when temperatures are high, forests are particularly vulnerable to fires – whether caused by arson attacks or natural phenomena. Yesterday’s disaster had been predicted not by one but by many. But their warnings fell on deaf ears. As yesterday’s catastrophes demonstrated, Greece remains vulnerable. The shortcomings of the country’s firefighting mechanism must be remedied as soon as possible. And they involve technical means as well as human resources. Instead of recruiting employees in other sectors, the government should reinforce the fire service with an extra 4,000 staff. That’s the only way to prepare ourselves for the next summer season.

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