2007 Greek forest fires
Encyclopedia
The 2007 Greek forest fires were a series of massive forest fires
that broke out in several areas across Greece
throughout the summer of 2007. The most destructive and lethal infernos broke out on August 23, expanded rapidly and raged out of control until August 27, until they were put out in early September. The fires mainly affected western and southern Peloponnese
as well as southern Euboea
. The death toll in August alone stood at 67 people. In total 84 people lost their lives because of the fires, including several fire fighters.
Some of these firestorms are believed to be the result of arson
while others were indeed the result of mere negligence. Hot temperatures, that included three consecutive heat waves
of over 40 °C (105 °F), and severe drought rendered the 2007 summer unprecedented in modern Greek history
. From the end of June to early September, over 3,000 forest fires were recorded across the nation. Nine more people were killed in blazes in June and July.
A total of 2,700 square kilometers (670,000 acres) of forest, olive
groves
and farmland were destroyed in the fires, which was the worst fire season on record in the past 50 years. Of the total of 2,700 km², 1,500 km² (370,000 acres) were burnt forests in Southern Greece alone. Many buildings were also destroyed in the blaze. The fire destroyed 1,000 houses and 1,100 other buildings, and damaging hundreds more.
The first major fire of the summer of 2007 was started on June 28, 2007. It is perceived to have been started by either an exploding electrical pylon
or by arsonists. Significant parts of the Parnitha
National Park were destroyed, and in total, the fire burnt 15723 acre (63.6 km²) of the core of the national forest in a matter of days. Overall the mountain of Parnitha suffered a burnt area of 38000 acre (153.8 km²), making it one of the worst recorded wildfires in Attica
since the Penteli
fire of July 1995.
The magnitude of the devastation was unforeseen. Environmental studies
in Greece report that the Athenian
microclimate will significantly change to warmer during the summer season, and flooding is now a very probable danger for the northern suburbs of the city. Mount Parnitha was considered the lungs of Athens; following its considerable burning, both the city and local flora and fauna are expected to feel the consequences. Other affected areas included Pelion
, Agia
and Melivoia
, Skourta
, Dafni
, and Pyli
.
outside of Athens
, Peloponnese
, and on the Aegean islands
of Andros
, Evia
, Lesbos, and Samos
, as well as Crete
and the Ionian island of Kefalonia
.
In Peloponnese around July 20, 2007, a fire which started from the mountains over the town of Aigio
expanded rapidly towards Diakopto
and Akrata
, destroyed a large area of forests and cultivated land. In the same fire many villages were totally or partiallly burned, resulting in the loss of 230 houses and 10 churches; three people lost their lives. A 26-year old farmer and a 77-year old woman were arrested on suspicion of arson concerning the fires in Aigio
and Diakopto
. The farmer confessed and is currently held in prison.
Fires continued, on August 17, 2007 they started to burn on the outskirts of Athens
. The fire started from Mt. Penteli
and started burning down towards the suburbs. More than sixty fire engines, nineteen planes and helicopters, and hundreds of firefighters as well as locals attempted to hold back the fire. Melisia, Vrilisia, and Penteli city were affected in the blaze that was put out, once winds calmed down.
On August 24, 2007, fires broke out in Peloponnese
, Attica
and Euboea
. In Peloponnese, the fire burnt many villages and accounted for 60 deaths. Six people were reported to have been killed in the town of Areopoli
. In Zacharo
, one of the worst hit areas, at least 30 people were found dead by firefighters while searching burning cars and homes.
Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis declared a state of emergency
for the whole country and requested help from fellow members of the European Union
. Multiple countries responded to the call and sent help. Additionally, 500 Greek soldiers were sent in the affected areas. Another 500 Greek soldiers
were called up bringing the total to 1,000 military personnel involved in the fire fighting.
On August 25, 2007, fires broke out on Mount Hymettus
and in the suburb of Filothei
in Athens
. Officials said these fires were the result of arson
, as the firefighters found many bottles with gasoline in affected areas. Arson is also suspected for the fires in Peloponnese, as more than 20 fires started at about the same time. Two fires broke out in Keratea
and one in Markopoulo Mesogaias
in East Attica
on August 25, 2007. The first fire was not under control until the following day, while the second was put out quickly. The Keratea fire had a length of 12 kilometres (7 mi) and a man was hospitalised with second degree burns.The fire at Lagonissi was reported as an accident,when a man accidentally burned a tree of his garden.
Olympia
, site of the ancient Olympics and World Heritage Site
, was evacuated on August 26, 2007. Fears were expressed for the survival of the ruins of ancient Olympia
lying near the raging fire. The famous statue of Hermes of Praxiteles
and nearby antiquities were spared from the fire, but the yard of the museum where the statue is housed was scorched. According to the official statement of former Minister of Culture Georgios Voulgarakis
, no serious damage was caused to the antiquities. The fire burnt all the trees on the hilltop above, and an area of brush and open space adjacent to the Olympic Academy. The fire did not damage the archaeological museum nor did it damage the several ancient structures in the area. "The wider archaeological space of Olympia remains intact," stated Mr. Voulgarakis. Despite the Minister's claims, it has been established, as of August 26, that the afflicted damage is of greater importance and scale; the sacred Hill of Kronos was totally burnt during the blaze. The hill was left blackened, but will soon be reforested. New Culture Minister Michalis Liapis has stated that 3,200 bushes and saplings will be planted on the Hill of Kronos, to return the area to its previous appearance.
. Three blazes remained, with the fires destructive path continuing in Arcadia
and Mt. Parnon
in Laconia
. Then, on September 3, 2007 a lightning strike started a new fire on Mt. Vermion, which was soon brought under control by firefighters. On September 5 the death toll reached 67, and on September 21 reached 68.
When the August fires broke out, Prime Minister
Kostas Karamanlis requested help from the members of the European Union
and other nations. The following countries offered help, but some offers were refused:
– Two helicopters, two planes, one transport plane, and 20 firefighters. - Four Canadair CL-215
water bombers and two spotter planes from the provinces of Alberta
and Manitoba
and one Martin Mars bomber along with a Cessna L-19 spotter plane from British Columbia
have been offered, but not yet accepted from the Greek government. - Two Canadair CL-415
firefighting aircraft. – 12 firefighting vehicles, 98 firefighters, 29 civil defense personnel. – One helicopter with a five member crew. (Declined.) – Six firefighting all-terrain vehicle
s, which are able to scale steep slopes. – Three helicopters, 25 firefighters and 2-3 forest fire experts. (Declined as the equipment was not suitable - Finland assisted in reconstruction instead.) – Four Canadair CL-215
water-tanker planes, 60 firefighters who specialize in helicopter operations, six firefighting vehicles. – Three CH-53
water-carrying helicopters. – Two fire engines, 18 firefighters, one doctor, as well as additional equipment. – Three helicopters and 55 firefighters. – One Canadair water-tanker plane. – Three firefighting vehicles, 26 professional firefighters and 60 members of the Protection and Rescue Directorate were made available, but were sent back by border guards. – Three Eurocopter AS 532 firefighting helicopters and 27 crew members. – One Bell 214
firefighting helicopter. – One Canadair CL-215
water-tanker plane and six personnel. – One Mil Mi-17
helicopter with a nine member crew and one airplane. – Five Kamov Ka-27
helicopters, six Mil Mi-26
helicopters, two Mil Mi-8
helicopters, and a Beriev Be-200
water-tanker plane. – Six M-18 Dromader and one Antonov An-2
firefighting planes, 6 firefighting all-terrain vehicles and 55 firefighters. The army was on alert for deployment to assist. City of Novi Sad
sent a team of 11 firefighters. – One water-carrying helicopter. – Two Canadair CL-215
water-tanker planes. – One Bell-205
firefighting helicopter. – Four Eurocopter Super Puma
water-carrying helicopters. – One firefighting aircraft.
, stated the fires may be a result of terrorist attacks, as many of the fires started simultaneously and in places where an arsonist could not be seen. He also stated that the country is facing an asymmetric threat
, a military term used for terrorist attacks.
While some fires are believed to have been caused by environmental factors, others clearly were not. The fires could have been deliberately started as a way to get around Greek law which forbids property development on areas designated as forest land and to pull benefit from Greece's unique position as the only EU country without a full land registry system. A substantial reward has been offered for anyone providing information which leads to the arrest of an arsonist.
Greek police
announced the capture of three arson suspects: A 65-year old man from Areopolis was charged with arson and murder relating to the fire which killed at least 6 in this area. Also, in northern Kavala
, two youths have been detained on suspicion of arson. Greek government press minister Theodoros Roussopoulos
confirmed on August 27 that 61 people had been arrested on suspicion of involvement in arson, seven of these being retained in custody.
On August 27, 2007, PASOK
leader George Papandreou accused the government of insinuating that his party is involved in the fires and called on Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis to produce any evidence that would support there was such an organized plan. Heavy criticism directed towards the government for its handling of the crisis, with the Greek press forming a chorus
in ridiculing the incompetence of the country's officials, was accentuated in September by the reported discovery of steps aimed at giving a green light to property developers in the ravaged region.
On August 25, Super League Greece
and the Hellenic Football Federation decided to postpone the opening fixtures scheduled for that weekend due to the fires. Campaigning for the country's forthcoming general election was suspended for a short period of time. The vote was not postponed since this is not allowed under the current Constitution
.
The destruction that was caused by the fires is expected to have a large financial impact to the areas affected by the fires. Originally the estimated amount was about 1.5 billion euro in immediate damages. The amount has now risen to 2 billion euros ($2.9 billion). The cumulative financial impact after taking into consideration the loss of national income due to the destruction of the local agricultural infrastructure
and the potentially negative impact on local tourism
is estimated around 5 billion euro or more.
The status of Olympia
for the 2008 Summer Olympics
flame-lighting ceremony
is threatening to undermine the whole ceremony. The Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) has warned that the delays in the reforestation process will undermine the whole ceremony. The HOC states, "Unless it drastically improves in the coming period, (Olympia's) present image will constitute global defamation for Greece."
has created a special account in all Greek banks, where financial help in relief of the people affected by the fire from all over the world is accepted. Additionally, financial aid from the EU
is expected. Forms of assistance in nature were also offered such as olive plants contributed by a Turkish
municipality and businessmen to a collect already organized in Mytilene
. The Greek Government
plans to spend 645.7 million euros ($946.7 million) to restore and rehabilitate areas burnt by the fires. This amount will be provided by both the European Union
and the Greek Government. The government has earmarked 150 million euros ($222 million) to help the people affected by the fire rebuild their homes and other buildings. The rapid nature of the response given in the form of a direct aid scheme free of red tape led to official claims in reverse a year after the calamity, as it has been the case for the residents of Ileia who were notified to return the aid payments. Opposition parties, in the meantime, accused the government of using the scheme to “buy” the votes of locals in the weeks before the Greek legislative election, 2007.
The Cypriot Government
along with J&P ABAX have pledged to rebuild the town of Artemida
. They have currently signed an 8.5 million euro contract, which includes the construction of 80 structures of which 48 will be residential. The overall cost of the project is expected to be 14.5 million euro.
On February 20, 2008 UEFA
president Michel Platini
presented the Hellenic Football Federation with a CHF1m cheque to help finance the rebuilding of football facilities damaged by the fires in Greece
last summer.
The European Union
has proposed 89.7 million euros in aid to Greece to offset part of the cost of the 2007 forest fires. The grant will be used to reimburse the costs of rescue services, provision of temporary housing, cleaning up of disaster-stricken areas, and the restoration of basic infrastructures to working condition. Furthermore, the EU created a 600 member team of European firefighters to combat continental forest fires, as a response to the 2007 summer forest fires in Southern Europe.
The Greek Government
has urged regional authorities to start replanting large areas burnt by the summer forest fires. The government under Kostas Karamanlis has pledged that all burnt forests will be restored and protected from legal development. Full Replanting is expected to start after a reforestation study by forestry experts that is to be completed by December. Plans included anti-erosion measures and extensive replanting in the hardest hit prefectures of Arcadia
, Achaia, Ilia, Corinth, Laconia
, Messinia, and Evia
. The Hill of Kronos which was totally burnt by the fires will be replanted with bushes and saplings. These bushes and saplings will include laurel bushes, oaks, olive trees, and other indigenous species.
Wildfire
A wildfire is any uncontrolled fire in combustible vegetation that occurs in the countryside or a wilderness area. Other names such as brush fire, bushfire, forest fire, desert fire, grass fire, hill fire, squirrel fire, vegetation fire, veldfire, and wilkjjofire may be used to describe the same...
that broke out in several areas across Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
throughout the summer of 2007. The most destructive and lethal infernos broke out on August 23, expanded rapidly and raged out of control until August 27, until they were put out in early September. The fires mainly affected western and southern Peloponnese
Peloponnese
The Peloponnese, Peloponnesos or Peloponnesus , is a large peninsula , located in a region of southern Greece, forming the part of the country south of the Gulf of Corinth...
as well as southern Euboea
Euboea
Euboea is the second largest Greek island in area and population, after Crete. The narrow Euripus Strait separates it from Boeotia in mainland Greece. In general outline it is a long and narrow, seahorse-shaped island; it is about long, and varies in breadth from to...
. The death toll in August alone stood at 67 people. In total 84 people lost their lives because of the fires, including several fire fighters.
Some of these firestorms are believed to be the result of arson
Arson
Arson is the crime of intentionally or maliciously setting fire to structures or wildland areas. It may be distinguished from other causes such as spontaneous combustion and natural wildfires...
while others were indeed the result of mere negligence. Hot temperatures, that included three consecutive heat waves
2007 European heat wave
The 2007 European heatwave was a heat wave that affected most of Southern Europe and the Balkans. The phenomenon began affecting Italy and Turkey on June 17 and expanded into Greece and the rest of the Balkans, Hungary and Ukraine on June 18.-June 2007:...
of over 40 °C (105 °F), and severe drought rendered the 2007 summer unprecedented in modern Greek history
History of modern Greece
The history of modern Greece covers the history of Greece from the recognition of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1832 after the Greek War of Independence to the present day.- Background :In 1821, the Greeks rose up against the Ottoman Empire...
. From the end of June to early September, over 3,000 forest fires were recorded across the nation. Nine more people were killed in blazes in June and July.
A total of 2,700 square kilometers (670,000 acres) of forest, olive
Olive
The olive , Olea europaea), is a species of a small tree in the family Oleaceae, native to the coastal areas of the eastern Mediterranean Basin as well as northern Iran at the south end of the Caspian Sea.Its fruit, also called the olive, is of major agricultural importance in the...
groves
Grove (nature)
A grove is a small group of trees with minimal or no undergrowth, such as a sequoia grove, or a small orchard planted for the cultivation of fruits or nuts...
and farmland were destroyed in the fires, which was the worst fire season on record in the past 50 years. Of the total of 2,700 km², 1,500 km² (370,000 acres) were burnt forests in Southern Greece alone. Many buildings were also destroyed in the blaze. The fire destroyed 1,000 houses and 1,100 other buildings, and damaging hundreds more.
June
Electricity pylon
A transmission tower is a tall structure, usually a steel lattice tower, used to support an overhead power line. They are used in high-voltage AC and DC systems, and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes...
or by arsonists. Significant parts of the Parnitha
Parnitha
Mount Parnitha is a densely forested mountain range north of Athens, the highest on the peninsula of Attica, with an elevation of 1,413 m and a summit known as Karavola...
National Park were destroyed, and in total, the fire burnt 15723 acre (63.6 km²) of the core of the national forest in a matter of days. Overall the mountain of Parnitha suffered a burnt area of 38000 acre (153.8 km²), making it one of the worst recorded wildfires in Attica
Attica
Attica is a historical region of Greece, containing Athens, the current capital of Greece. The historical region is centered on the Attic peninsula, which projects into the Aegean Sea...
since the Penteli
Penteli
Pentéli or Pendeli, , and Vrilissos or Vrilittos , Mendeli in medieval times) is a tall mountain and mountain range situated northeast of Athens and southwest of Marathon. Its elevation is 1,109 m...
fire of July 1995.
The magnitude of the devastation was unforeseen. Environmental studies
Environmental studies
Environmental studies is the academic field which systematically studies human interaction with the environment. It is a broad interdisciplinary field of study that includes the natural environment, built environment, and the sets of relationships between them...
in Greece report that the Athenian
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
microclimate will significantly change to warmer during the summer season, and flooding is now a very probable danger for the northern suburbs of the city. Mount Parnitha was considered the lungs of Athens; following its considerable burning, both the city and local flora and fauna are expected to feel the consequences. Other affected areas included Pelion
Pelion
Pelion or Pelium is a mountain at the southeastern part of Thessaly in central Greece, forming a hook-like peninsula between the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea...
, Agia
Agia, Larissa
Agia is a village and a municipality in the Larissa regional unit, Thessaly, Greece. Agia is located east of Larissa and south of Melivoia. The Mavrovouni mountains dominate the south and the Aegean Sea lies to the east...
and Melivoia
Melivoia
Melivoia is a town and a former municipality in the Larissa regional unit, Thessaly, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Agia, of which it is a municipal unit. Population 3,472 . The seat of the municipality was in Kato Sotiritsa...
, Skourta
Skourta
Skourta is a village in Boeotia, Greece. Its 2001 population was 929. Skourta is a part of the Greater Athens area. Skourta is located north and northwest of the Attiki Odos , west of the GR-1/E75 , northwest of Athens, north of Elefsina, southeast of Thiva and south of Chalkida...
, Dafni
Dafni, Viotia
Dafni is a village in Boeotia, Greece. Its 2001 population was 156 for the village. Dafni is part of the Greater Athens area, located north and northwest of the Attiki Odos , west of the GR-1/E75 , northwest of Athens, north of Elefsina, southeast of Thiva and south of Chalkida...
, and Pyli
Pyli, Greece
Pyli is a village in Boeotia, Greece. Its 2001 population was 666 for the village and 820 for the municipal district. It was the seat of the municipality of Dervenochoria. Pyli is part of the Greater Athens area. Pyli is linked with the road linking Elefsina and Schimatari along with the GR-1...
.
July
On 11 July 2007sparked at a garbage dump near Agia Paraskevi, Skiathos, and spread across the island. Residents and tourists were forced to evacuate to nearby Troulos, and returned after the fire was put out. More than 100 fires were reported by July 15, 2007, in such locations as KerateaKeratea
Keratea is a town in East Attica, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Lavreotiki, of which it is a municipal unit.Keratea is linked with a highway to Glyka Nera and Sounio...
outside of Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
, Peloponnese
Peloponnese
The Peloponnese, Peloponnesos or Peloponnesus , is a large peninsula , located in a region of southern Greece, forming the part of the country south of the Gulf of Corinth...
, and on the Aegean islands
Aegean Islands
The Aegean Islands are the group of islands in the Aegean Sea, with mainland Greece to the west and north and Turkey to the east; the island of Crete delimits the sea to the south, those of Rhodes, Karpathos and Kasos to the southeast...
of Andros
Andros
Andros, or Andro is the northernmost island of the Greek Cyclades archipelago, approximately south east of Euboea, and about north of Tinos. It is nearly long, and its greatest breadth is . Its surface is for the most part mountainous, with many fruitful and well-watered valleys. The area is...
, Evia
Euboea
Euboea is the second largest Greek island in area and population, after Crete. The narrow Euripus Strait separates it from Boeotia in mainland Greece. In general outline it is a long and narrow, seahorse-shaped island; it is about long, and varies in breadth from to...
, Lesbos, and Samos
Samos Island
Samos is a Greek island in the eastern Aegean Sea, south of Chios, north of Patmos and the Dodecanese, and off the coast of Asia Minor, from which it is separated by the -wide Mycale Strait. It is also a separate regional unit of the North Aegean region, and the only municipality of the regional...
, as well as Crete
Crete
Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. It forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece while retaining its own local cultural traits...
and the Ionian island of Kefalonia
Kefalonia
The island of Cephalonia, also known as Kefalonia, Cephallenia, Cephallonia, Kefallinia, or Kefallonia , is the largest of the Ionian Islands in western Greece, with an area of . It is also a separate regional unit of the Ionian Islands region, and the only municipality of the regional unit...
.
In Peloponnese around July 20, 2007, a fire which started from the mountains over the town of Aigio
Aigio
Aigio is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Aigialeia, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit. Its population is around 30,000. Aigio is surrounded by trees in the north and cliffs in the...
expanded rapidly towards Diakopto
Diakopto
Diakopto is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Aigialeia, of which it is a municipal unit. Population app. 7,005 . The town of Diakopto is situated on the Gulf of Corinth, and at the lower end of...
and Akrata
Akrata
Akrata, is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Aigialeia, of which it is a municipal unit. The location is in a valley with two mountaintops. The river named Krathi flows near the center of Akrata. ...
, destroyed a large area of forests and cultivated land. In the same fire many villages were totally or partiallly burned, resulting in the loss of 230 houses and 10 churches; three people lost their lives. A 26-year old farmer and a 77-year old woman were arrested on suspicion of arson concerning the fires in Aigio
Aigio
Aigio is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Aigialeia, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit. Its population is around 30,000. Aigio is surrounded by trees in the north and cliffs in the...
and Diakopto
Diakopto
Diakopto is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Aigialeia, of which it is a municipal unit. Population app. 7,005 . The town of Diakopto is situated on the Gulf of Corinth, and at the lower end of...
. The farmer confessed and is currently held in prison.
August
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
. The fire started from Mt. Penteli
Penteli
Pentéli or Pendeli, , and Vrilissos or Vrilittos , Mendeli in medieval times) is a tall mountain and mountain range situated northeast of Athens and southwest of Marathon. Its elevation is 1,109 m...
and started burning down towards the suburbs. More than sixty fire engines, nineteen planes and helicopters, and hundreds of firefighters as well as locals attempted to hold back the fire. Melisia, Vrilisia, and Penteli city were affected in the blaze that was put out, once winds calmed down.
On August 24, 2007, fires broke out in Peloponnese
Peloponnese
The Peloponnese, Peloponnesos or Peloponnesus , is a large peninsula , located in a region of southern Greece, forming the part of the country south of the Gulf of Corinth...
, Attica
Attica
Attica is a historical region of Greece, containing Athens, the current capital of Greece. The historical region is centered on the Attic peninsula, which projects into the Aegean Sea...
and Euboea
Euboea
Euboea is the second largest Greek island in area and population, after Crete. The narrow Euripus Strait separates it from Boeotia in mainland Greece. In general outline it is a long and narrow, seahorse-shaped island; it is about long, and varies in breadth from to...
. In Peloponnese, the fire burnt many villages and accounted for 60 deaths. Six people were reported to have been killed in the town of Areopoli
Areopoli
Areopoli is a town on the Mani Peninsula, Laconia, Greece. The word Areopoli means "city of Ares", the ancient Greek god of war. It was the seat of Oitylo municipality. Areopoli was called Tsimova by the invading Slavs during the 7th century AD...
. In Zacharo
Zacharo
Zacharo is a town and municipality in southwestern Greece. Administratively, it belongs to the Elis peripheral unit, in the Periphery of West Greece. Zacharo is situated on the Ionian Sea coast, in the area of the Gulf of Kyparissia. The town is crossed by the highway named GR-9/E55, that links...
, one of the worst hit areas, at least 30 people were found dead by firefighters while searching burning cars and homes.
Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis declared a state of emergency
State of emergency
A state of emergency is a governmental declaration that may suspend some normal functions of the executive, legislative and judicial powers, alert citizens to change their normal behaviours, or order government agencies to implement emergency preparedness plans. It can also be used as a rationale...
for the whole country and requested help from fellow members of the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
. Multiple countries responded to the call and sent help. Additionally, 500 Greek soldiers were sent in the affected areas. Another 500 Greek soldiers
Hellenic Army
The Hellenic Army , formed in 1828, is the land force of Greece.The motto of the Hellenic Army is , "Freedom Stems from Valor", from Thucydides's History of the Peloponnesian War...
were called up bringing the total to 1,000 military personnel involved in the fire fighting.
On August 25, 2007, fires broke out on Mount Hymettus
Hymettus
Hymettus, also Hymettos is a mountain range in the Athens area, East Central Greece. It is also colloquially known as Trellos or Trellovouno , a name of uncertain origin...
and in the suburb of Filothei
Filothei
Filothei is a green, affluent northeastern suburb of Athens, Greece, consisting mainly of hillside villas, relatively close to the Olympic Stadium...
in Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
. Officials said these fires were the result of arson
Arson
Arson is the crime of intentionally or maliciously setting fire to structures or wildland areas. It may be distinguished from other causes such as spontaneous combustion and natural wildfires...
, as the firefighters found many bottles with gasoline in affected areas. Arson is also suspected for the fires in Peloponnese, as more than 20 fires started at about the same time. Two fires broke out in Keratea
Keratea
Keratea is a town in East Attica, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Lavreotiki, of which it is a municipal unit.Keratea is linked with a highway to Glyka Nera and Sounio...
and one in Markopoulo Mesogaias
Markopoulo Mesogaias
Markopoulo, municipally Markopoulo Mesogaias to avoid confusion with Markopoulo Oropou in Oropos is a suburban town in southeastern Attica in the Mesogaian plain north of the mountains, approximately 30 km SE of Athens, S of Rafina, S of the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, SW of...
in East Attica
East Attica
East Attica is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of Attica. The capital of the regional unit is the town of Pallini. The regional unit covers the eastern part of the agglomeration of Athens, and also the rural area to its east....
on August 25, 2007. The first fire was not under control until the following day, while the second was put out quickly. The Keratea fire had a length of 12 kilometres (7 mi) and a man was hospitalised with second degree burns.The fire at Lagonissi was reported as an accident,when a man accidentally burned a tree of his garden.
Olympia
Olympia, Greece
Olympia , a sanctuary of ancient Greece in Elis, is known for having been the site of the Olympic Games in classical times, comparable in importance to the Pythian Games held in Delphi. Both games were held every Olympiad , the Olympic Games dating back possibly further than 776 BC...
, site of the ancient Olympics and World Heritage Site
World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
, was evacuated on August 26, 2007. Fears were expressed for the survival of the ruins of ancient Olympia
Olympia, Greece
Olympia , a sanctuary of ancient Greece in Elis, is known for having been the site of the Olympic Games in classical times, comparable in importance to the Pythian Games held in Delphi. Both games were held every Olympiad , the Olympic Games dating back possibly further than 776 BC...
lying near the raging fire. The famous statue of Hermes of Praxiteles
Hermes
Hermes is the great messenger of the gods in Greek mythology and a guide to the Underworld. Hermes was born on Mount Kyllini in Arcadia. An Olympian god, he is also the patron of boundaries and of the travelers who cross them, of shepherds and cowherds, of the cunning of thieves, of orators and...
and nearby antiquities were spared from the fire, but the yard of the museum where the statue is housed was scorched. According to the official statement of former Minister of Culture Georgios Voulgarakis
Georgios Voulgarakis
Georgios Voulgarakis is a Greek politician and the former Minister for Mercantile Marine, Aegean Sea and Island Policy.Voulgarakis was born in Crete and holds a PhD in economics from the University of Athens. He is a member of the New Democracy party...
, no serious damage was caused to the antiquities. The fire burnt all the trees on the hilltop above, and an area of brush and open space adjacent to the Olympic Academy. The fire did not damage the archaeological museum nor did it damage the several ancient structures in the area. "The wider archaeological space of Olympia remains intact," stated Mr. Voulgarakis. Despite the Minister's claims, it has been established, as of August 26, that the afflicted damage is of greater importance and scale; the sacred Hill of Kronos was totally burnt during the blaze. The hill was left blackened, but will soon be reforested. New Culture Minister Michalis Liapis has stated that 3,200 bushes and saplings will be planted on the Hill of Kronos, to return the area to its previous appearance.
September
The fires continued to burn into early September. On September 1, 2007, firefighters were still suppressing a strong blaze in PeloponnesePeloponnese
The Peloponnese, Peloponnesos or Peloponnesus , is a large peninsula , located in a region of southern Greece, forming the part of the country south of the Gulf of Corinth...
. Three blazes remained, with the fires destructive path continuing in Arcadia
Arcadia
Arcadia is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the administrative region of Peloponnese. It is situated in the central and eastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. It takes its name from the mythological character Arcas. In Greek mythology, it was the home of the god Pan...
and Mt. Parnon
Parnon
Parnon or Parnonas or Malevo is a mountain range, or massif, on the east of the Laconian plain and the Evrotas valley. It is visible from Athens above the top of the Argive mountains. The western part is in the Laconia prefecture and the northeastern part is in the Arcadia prefecture. The Parnon...
in Laconia
Laconia
Laconia , also known as Lacedaemonia, is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of Peloponnese. It is situated in the southeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. Its administrative capital is Sparti...
. Then, on September 3, 2007 a lightning strike started a new fire on Mt. Vermion, which was soon brought under control by firefighters. On September 5 the death toll reached 67, and on September 21 reached 68.
International assistance
Prime minister
A prime minister is the most senior minister of cabinet in the executive branch of government in a parliamentary system. In many systems, the prime minister selects and may dismiss other members of the cabinet, and allocates posts to members within the government. In most systems, the prime...
Kostas Karamanlis requested help from the members of the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
and other nations. The following countries offered help, but some offers were refused:
– Two helicopters, two planes, one transport plane, and 20 firefighters. - Four Canadair CL-215
Canadair CL-215
The Canadair CL-215 was the first model in a series of firefighting flying boat amphibious aircraft built by Canadair and later Bombardier. The CL-215 is a twin-engine, high-wing aircraft designed to operate well at low speed and in gust-loading circumstances, as are found over forest fires...
water bombers and two spotter planes from the provinces of Alberta
Alberta
Alberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
and Manitoba
Manitoba
Manitoba is a Canadian prairie province with an area of . The province has over 110,000 lakes and has a largely continental climate because of its flat topography. Agriculture, mostly concentrated in the fertile southern and western parts of the province, is vital to the province's economy; other...
and one Martin Mars bomber along with a Cessna L-19 spotter plane from British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
have been offered, but not yet accepted from the Greek government. - Two Canadair CL-415
Canadair CL-415
The Bombardier 415 is a Canadian amphibious aircraft purpose-built as a water bomber. It is an aircraft designed and built specifically for aerial firefighting and is based on the company's CL-215 flying boat...
firefighting aircraft. – 12 firefighting vehicles, 98 firefighters, 29 civil defense personnel. – One helicopter with a five member crew. (Declined.) – Six firefighting all-terrain vehicle
All-terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle , also known as a quad, quad bike, three wheeler, or four wheeler, is defined by the American National Standards Institute as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control...
s, which are able to scale steep slopes. – Three helicopters, 25 firefighters and 2-3 forest fire experts. (Declined as the equipment was not suitable - Finland assisted in reconstruction instead.) – Four Canadair CL-215
Canadair CL-215
The Canadair CL-215 was the first model in a series of firefighting flying boat amphibious aircraft built by Canadair and later Bombardier. The CL-215 is a twin-engine, high-wing aircraft designed to operate well at low speed and in gust-loading circumstances, as are found over forest fires...
water-tanker planes, 60 firefighters who specialize in helicopter operations, six firefighting vehicles. – Three CH-53
CH-53 Sea Stallion
The CH-53 Sea Stallion is the most common name for the Sikorsky S-65 family of heavy-lift transport helicopters. Originally developed for use by the United States Marine Corps, it is also in service with Germany, Iran, Israel, and Mexico...
water-carrying helicopters. – Two fire engines, 18 firefighters, one doctor, as well as additional equipment. – Three helicopters and 55 firefighters. – One Canadair water-tanker plane. – Three firefighting vehicles, 26 professional firefighters and 60 members of the Protection and Rescue Directorate were made available, but were sent back by border guards. – Three Eurocopter AS 532 firefighting helicopters and 27 crew members. – One Bell 214
Bell 214
|-See also:-External links:...
firefighting helicopter. – One Canadair CL-215
Canadair CL-215
The Canadair CL-215 was the first model in a series of firefighting flying boat amphibious aircraft built by Canadair and later Bombardier. The CL-215 is a twin-engine, high-wing aircraft designed to operate well at low speed and in gust-loading circumstances, as are found over forest fires...
water-tanker plane and six personnel. – One Mil Mi-17
Mil Mi-17
The Mil Mi-17 is a Russian helicopter currently in production at two factories in Kazan and Ulan-Ude...
helicopter with a nine member crew and one airplane. – Five Kamov Ka-27
Kamov Ka-27
|-See also:-External links:*...
helicopters, six Mil Mi-26
Mil Mi-26
The Mil Mi-26 is a Soviet/Russian heavy transport helicopter. In service with civilian and military operators, it is the largest and most powerful helicopter ever to have gone into production.-Design and development:...
helicopters, two Mil Mi-8
Mil Mi-8
The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter....
helicopters, and a Beriev Be-200
Beriev Be-200
The Beriev Be-200 Altair is a multipurpose amphibious aircraft designed by the Beriev Aircraft Company and manufactured by Irkut. Marketed as being designed for fire fighting, search and rescue, maritime patrol, cargo, and passenger transportation, it has a capacity of 12 tonnes of water, or up...
water-tanker plane. – Six M-18 Dromader and one Antonov An-2
Antonov An-2
The Antonov An-2 is a single-engine biplane utility/agricultural aircraft designed in the USSR in 1946...
firefighting planes, 6 firefighting all-terrain vehicles and 55 firefighters. The army was on alert for deployment to assist. City of Novi Sad
Novi Sad
Novi Sad is the capital of the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina, and the administrative centre of the South Bačka District. The city is located in the southern part of Pannonian Plain on the Danube river....
sent a team of 11 firefighters. – One water-carrying helicopter. – Two Canadair CL-215
Canadair CL-215
The Canadair CL-215 was the first model in a series of firefighting flying boat amphibious aircraft built by Canadair and later Bombardier. The CL-215 is a twin-engine, high-wing aircraft designed to operate well at low speed and in gust-loading circumstances, as are found over forest fires...
water-tanker planes. – One Bell-205
Bell 204/205
The Bell 204 and 205 are the civil versions of the ubiquitous UH-1 Iroquois single-engine military helicopters. They are type-certificated in the transport category and are used in a wide variety of applications, including crop dusting, cargo lifting, and one of its most common uses, aerial...
firefighting helicopter. – Four Eurocopter Super Puma
Eurocopter Super Puma
The Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma is a four-bladed, twin-engine, medium-size utility helicopter marketed for both civil and military use. Originally designed and built by Aérospatiale, it is an enlarged and re-engined version of the original Aérospatiale Puma...
water-carrying helicopters. – One firefighting aircraft.
List of affected areas
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- Achaia
- AigioAigioAigio is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Aigialeia, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit. Its population is around 30,000. Aigio is surrounded by trees in the north and cliffs in the...
- DiakoptoDiakoptoDiakopto is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Aigialeia, of which it is a municipal unit. Population app. 7,005 . The town of Diakopto is situated on the Gulf of Corinth, and at the lower end of...
- AkrataAkrataAkrata, is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Aigialeia, of which it is a municipal unit. The location is in a valley with two mountaintops. The river named Krathi flows near the center of Akrata. ...
- LeontioLeontioLeontio , older form: -on, is a community former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Erymanthos, of which it is a municipal unit. It is built on the foot of the Panachaiko. Its 2001 population was 373 for the village,...
- KalavrytaKalavrytaKalavryta is a town and a municipality in the eastcentral part of the peripheral unit of Achaea, Greece. It is the southern terminus of the Kalavryta - Diakopto Road and the eastern terminus of the Patras - Kalavryta Road. It is located approx...
- Kallithea, Achaea
- PatrasPatrasPatras , ) is Greece's third largest urban area and the regional capital of West Greece, located in northern Peloponnese, 215 kilometers west of Athens...
- Aigio
- Aetolia-Acarnania
- AstakosAstakosAstakos is a town and a former municipality in Aetolia-Acarnania, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Xiromero, of which it is a municipal unit. It is located on the eastern shore of the Ionian Sea but small hills to the west of the town block...
- Palaiochoraki Nafpaktias
- Astakos
- Aegean IslandsAegean IslandsThe Aegean Islands are the group of islands in the Aegean Sea, with mainland Greece to the west and north and Turkey to the east; the island of Crete delimits the sea to the south, those of Rhodes, Karpathos and Kasos to the southeast...
- SkiathosSkiathosSkiathos is a small Greek island in the northwest Aegean Sea. Skiathos is the westernmost island in the Northern Sporades group, east of the Pelion peninsula in Magnesia on the mainland, and west of the island of Skopelos.-Geography:...
- Lesbos
- CreteCreteCrete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. It forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece while retaining its own local cultural traits...
- Skiathos
- Arcadia Prefecture
- AnemodouriAnemodouriAnemodouri is a village located on the northwestern slopes of Tsiberou in eastern Falaisia in the southwestern part of Arcadia, Greece. Anemodouri is linked by a provincial road with Anavryto and the main highway...
- LeontariLeontariLeontari is a town, seat of the former municipality of Falaisia, in the southwestern part of Arcadia...
- AkovosAkovosAkovos is a Greek settlement in the southwest of Arcadia, located 22 km south of Leontari around 33 km southeast of Megalopoli, about 37 km from Kalamata, about 62 km southwest of Tripoli and northwest of Sparta. Akovos is in the municipal unit of Falaisia...
- VeligostiVeligostiVeligosti is a Greek settlement located around 12 km south of Megalopoli, 3 km SSE from the nearest interchange with the GR-7/E65 , about 48 km northeast of Kalamata, about 4 km west of Leontari and about 40 km west-southwest of Tripoli. Veligosti is also in the...
- MallotaMallota, GreeceMallota is a Greek village located around 7 km east of Megalopoli and about 30 km west-southwest of Tripoli. Mallota had a population of 73 in 2001 for the village. Mallota is in the municipality of Megalopoli...
- Manthyrea
- Anemodouri
- Attica PeripheryAtticaAttica is a historical region of Greece, containing Athens, the current capital of Greece. The historical region is centered on the Attic peninsula, which projects into the Aegean Sea...
- AthensAthensAthens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
- GrammatikoGrammatikoGrammatiko is a Greek village in east Attica. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Marathon, of which it is a municipal unit.It lies approximately northeast of Athens, and north of Marathon and Nea Makri...
- Mt. ParnithaParnithaMount Parnitha is a densely forested mountain range north of Athens, the highest on the peninsula of Attica, with an elevation of 1,413 m and a summit known as Karavola...
- Mt. Imittos
- Mt. PenteliPenteliPentéli or Pendeli, , and Vrilissos or Vrilittos , Mendeli in medieval times) is a tall mountain and mountain range situated northeast of Athens and southwest of Marathon. Its elevation is 1,109 m...
- KerateaKerateaKeratea is a town in East Attica, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Lavreotiki, of which it is a municipal unit.Keratea is linked with a highway to Glyka Nera and Sounio...
- Lagonissi
- Athens
- Corinthia Prefecture
- ChiliomodiChiliomodiChiliomodi is a village in east-central Corinthia in the Peloponnese. It was the seat of the municipality of Tenea. Chiliomodi is situated on the old GR-7, the old road linking Tripoli and Corinth...
- Sofiko
- MapsosMapsosMapsos is a settlement in the southern Corinthia prefecture. Mapsos is in the community of Koutalas and the municipal unit of Tenea. Mapsos is located southwest of Corinth, west-southwest of Athens, north of Chiliomodi, northeast of Tripoli and east-southeast of Patras and Aigio...
- Chiliomodi
- East Attica PrefectureEast AtticaEast Attica is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of Attica. The capital of the regional unit is the town of Pallini. The regional unit covers the eastern part of the agglomeration of Athens, and also the rural area to its east....
- Kalyvia ThorikouKalyvia ThorikouKalyvia Thorikou is a town and a former municipality and in southeastern Attica, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Saronikos, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit....
- Kalyvia Thorikou
- Elis PrefectureElis PrefectureElis or Ilia is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of West Greece. It is situated in the western part of the Peloponnese peninsula. Its capital is Pyrgos.-Geography:...
- Ampelona
- Ancient Olympia
- AndritsainaAndritsainaAndritsaina is a town and a former municipality in Elis, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Andritsaina-Krestena, of which it is a municipal unit...
- Chelidonio
- Dafnoula
- FigaleiaFigaleiaFigaleia is a village and a former municipality in Elis, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Zacharo, of which it is a municipal unit. Its 2001 population was 184 for the village and 2,499 for the municipality. The seat of the municipality was...
- GiannitsochoriGiannitsochoriGiannitsochori is a village located in the municipality of Zacharo to its east southeast in the southern part of the prefecture of Ilia. Giannitsochori is accessed with a road linking to GR-9/E55 . Giannitsochori is famous for its beaches and also have hotels and campgrounds including Apollo...
- KoliriKoliriKoliri, is one of the biggest villages near Pyrgos, Greece, in the prefecture of Ilia. The GR-74 is 2 km south and the GR-9/E55 is west of the junction and about 3 to 4 km from the village....
- OleniOleniOleni is a village and a former municipality in Elis, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Pyrgos, of which it is a municipal unit. The seat of the municipality was in Karatoula. It is located about 20 km S of Simopoulo, NE of Pyrgos, SE...
- PelopioPelopioPelopio is a Greek settlement. Pelopio is related with the name Pelops. Pelopio is bypassed with the old GR-74 at around the 131st to 132nd km and had been since the mid to late 20th century. Pelopio had a 2001 population of 1,057 for the village...
- PineiaPineiaPineia is a former municipality in Elis, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Ilida, of which it is a municipal unit. Its seat of administration is in the village Simopoulo . Simopoulo is located about 5 km west of GR-33 and south of the...
- SkillountaSkillountaSkillounta is a former municipality in Elis, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Andritsaina-Krestena, of which it is a municipal unit. It is named after Scillus, an ancient name for the area. Its seat of administration was in the town...
- ZacharoZacharoZacharo is a town and municipality in southwestern Greece. Administratively, it belongs to the Elis peripheral unit, in the Periphery of West Greece. Zacharo is situated on the Ionian Sea coast, in the area of the Gulf of Kyparissia. The town is crossed by the highway named GR-9/E55, that links...
- Euboea Prefecture
- AliveriAliveriAliveri , is a town in the Greek island of Euboea. It is part of the municipal unit Taminaioi, and the seat of the municipality Kymi-Aliveri. Aliveri is linked by the GR-44 . Aliveri lies next to the South Euboic Gulf...
- AmarynthosAmarynthosAmarynthos , locally called Vatheia , is a coastal town and a former municipality in Euboea, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Eretria, of which it is a municipal unit. Its 2001 population was 4,141 for the town and 7,356 for the municipal unit...
- MarmariMarmariMarmari is a village and a former municipality in Euboea, Greece, in the southeastern end of the island. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Karystos, of which it is a municipal unit. The Greek National Road 44 runs through Marmari. There are ferry routes with...
- StyraStyraStyra is a village and a former municipality on the island Euboea, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Karystos, of which it is a municipal unit. It is located in the southern part of Euboea, facing the eastern shore of Attica across the South Euboean Gulf...
- Aliveri
- Ilia
- Imathia PrefectureImathia PrefectureImathia is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of Central Macedonia. The capital of Imathia is the city of Veroia.-Administration:The regional unit Imathia is subdivided into 3 municipalities...
- Vermion MountainsVermion MountainsThe Vermio Mountains is a mountain range between Imathia and Kozani Prefecture in west-central Macedonia. The range is west of the plain of Kambania. The town of Veria, which is the capital of Imathia prefecture, is built οn the foot of these mountains...
- Vermion Mountains
- Laconia Prefecture
- AreopoliAreopoliAreopoli is a town on the Mani Peninsula, Laconia, Greece. The word Areopoli means "city of Ares", the ancient Greek god of war. It was the seat of Oitylo municipality. Areopoli was called Tsimova by the invading Slavs during the 7th century AD...
- SkalaSkala, LaconiaSkala is a town and a former municipality in Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Evrotas, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit. Population 5,902 . Skala is known for organic food production and the organic wholesaler Stavros...
- KrokeesKrokeesKrokees is a village and a former municipality in Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Evrotas, of which it is a municipal unit...
- GerakiGeronthresGeronthres is a former municipality in Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Evrotas, of which it is a municipal unit. The seat of administration was the village Geraki. The municipal population is approx...
- GerolimenasGerolimenasGerolimenas , also Yerolimenas, is a picturesque small coastal village at the southern end of the Mani Peninsula, in the prefecture of Laconia, in the Peloponnese, Greece. Τhe name, which means "Old Harbour", is thought to derive from the ancient "Ιερός Λιμήν" , meaning "Sacred Harbor"...
- OityloOityloOitylo is a village and a former municipality in Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality East Mani, of which it is a municipal unit. It is one of the oldest towns in the Mani Peninsula. It was mentioned in the Iliad by Homer as Oetylοs ,...
- Areopoli
- Messinia Prefecture
- KalamataKalamataKalamata is the second-largest city of the Peloponnese in southern Greece. The capital and chief port of the Messenia prefecture, it lies along the Nedon River at the head of the Messenian Gulf...
- FiliatraFiliatraFiliatra , is a town and a former municipality in Messenia, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Trifylia, of which it is a municipal unit. It is passed by Greek National Road 9 and is located south of Kyparissia and Pyrgos, W of Kalamata and...
- MeligalasMeligalasMeligalas is a village and a former municipality in Messenia, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Oichalia, of which it is a municipal unit...
- PylosPylosPylos , historically known under its Italian name Navarino, is a town and a former municipality in Messenia, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Pylos-Nestoras, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit. It was the capital of the former...
- Aetos, MesseniaAetos, MesseniaAetos is a village and a former municipality in Messenia, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Trifylia, of which it is a municipal unit. Its 2001 population was 595 for the village and 3,264 for the municipality...
- Christianous
- GargalianoiGargalianoiGargalianoi is a former municipality in Messenia, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Trifylia, of which it is a municipal unit. It is passed by Greek National Road 9. It is located south of Pyrgos, Kyparissia and 15 km south of Filiatra,...
- Kalamata
- Phthiotis Prefecture
- Lianokladi
Alleged arson
The former Minister for Public Order, Vyron PolydorasVyron Polydoras
Vyron Polydoras is a Greek politician who was the Minister for Public Order and Justice of Greece from 2006 to 2007 in the first Cabinet of Kostas Karamanlis....
, stated the fires may be a result of terrorist attacks, as many of the fires started simultaneously and in places where an arsonist could not be seen. He also stated that the country is facing an asymmetric threat
Asymmetric warfare
Asymmetric warfare is war between belligerents whose relative military power differs significantly, or whose strategy or tactics differ significantly....
, a military term used for terrorist attacks.
While some fires are believed to have been caused by environmental factors, others clearly were not. The fires could have been deliberately started as a way to get around Greek law which forbids property development on areas designated as forest land and to pull benefit from Greece's unique position as the only EU country without a full land registry system. A substantial reward has been offered for anyone providing information which leads to the arrest of an arsonist.
Greek police
Greek Police
The Hellenic Police is the national police force of Greece. It is a very large agency, its responsibilities ranging from road traffic control to counter-terrorism....
announced the capture of three arson suspects: A 65-year old man from Areopolis was charged with arson and murder relating to the fire which killed at least 6 in this area. Also, in northern Kavala
Kavala
Kavala , is the second largest city in northern Greece, the principal seaport of eastern Macedonia and the capital of Kavala peripheral unit. It is situated on the Bay of Kavala, across from the island of Thasos...
, two youths have been detained on suspicion of arson. Greek government press minister Theodoros Roussopoulos
Theodoros Roussopoulos
Theodoros Roussopoulos is a Greek politician. He was Minister of State and Government Spokesman from 7 March 2004 until 23 October 2008, as well as one of Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis's closest aides....
confirmed on August 27 that 61 people had been arrested on suspicion of involvement in arson, seven of these being retained in custody.
On August 27, 2007, PASOK
Panhellenic Socialist Movement
The Panhellenic Socialist Movement , known mostly by its acronym PASOK , is one of the two major political parties in Greece. Founded on 3 September 1974 by Andreas Papandreou, in 1981 PASOK became Greece's first social democratic party to win a majority in parliament.The party is a socialist party...
leader George Papandreou accused the government of insinuating that his party is involved in the fires and called on Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis to produce any evidence that would support there was such an organized plan. Heavy criticism directed towards the government for its handling of the crisis, with the Greek press forming a chorus
Greek chorus
A Greek chorus is a homogenous, non-individualised group of performers in the plays of classical Greece, who comment with a collective voice on the dramatic action....
in ridiculing the incompetence of the country's officials, was accentuated in September by the reported discovery of steps aimed at giving a green light to property developers in the ravaged region.
Consequences
Super League Greece
The Superleague Greece is the highest professional football league in Greece. It was formed on July 16, 2006 and replaced Alpha Ethniki at the top of the Greek football league system. The league consists of 16 teams and runs from August to May, with teams playing 30 games each...
and the Hellenic Football Federation decided to postpone the opening fixtures scheduled for that weekend due to the fires. Campaigning for the country's forthcoming general election was suspended for a short period of time. The vote was not postponed since this is not allowed under the current Constitution
Constitution of Greece
The Constitution of Greece , was created by the Fifth Revisional Parliament of the Hellenes and entered into force in 1975. It has been revised three times since, most significantly in 1986, and also in 2001 and in 2008. The Constitutional history of Greece goes back to the Greek War of...
.
The destruction that was caused by the fires is expected to have a large financial impact to the areas affected by the fires. Originally the estimated amount was about 1.5 billion euro in immediate damages. The amount has now risen to 2 billion euros ($2.9 billion). The cumulative financial impact after taking into consideration the loss of national income due to the destruction of the local agricultural infrastructure
Agriculture in Greece
-Greek agriculture:Greek agriculture is based on small-sized, family-owned dispersed units, while the extent of cooperative organization stays at low comparative levels, against all efforts that have been taken in the last 30 years, mainly under European Union supervision.Greek agriculture employs...
and the potentially negative impact on local tourism
Tourism
Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes".Tourism has become a...
is estimated around 5 billion euro or more.
The status of Olympia
Olympia, Greece
Olympia , a sanctuary of ancient Greece in Elis, is known for having been the site of the Olympic Games in classical times, comparable in importance to the Pythian Games held in Delphi. Both games were held every Olympiad , the Olympic Games dating back possibly further than 776 BC...
for the 2008 Summer Olympics
2008 Summer Olympics
The 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, was a major international multi-sport event that took place in Beijing, China, from August 8 to August 24, 2008. A total of 11,028 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees competed in 28 sports and 302 events...
flame-lighting ceremony
Olympic Flame
The Olympic Flame or Olympic Torch is a symbol of the Olympic Games. Commemorating the theft of fire from the Greek god Zeus by Prometheus, its origins lie in ancient Greece, where a fire was kept burning throughout the celebration of the ancient Olympics. The fire was reintroduced at the 1928...
is threatening to undermine the whole ceremony. The Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) has warned that the delays in the reforestation process will undermine the whole ceremony. The HOC states, "Unless it drastically improves in the coming period, (Olympia's) present image will constitute global defamation for Greece."
Financial assistance
Due to the unprecedented scale of the destruction many of the country's leading banks, businesses, institutions and local administrations have offered considerable amounts of cash in order to help the people and businesses that suffer financially due to the fires. The governmentPolitics of Greece
The Politics of Greece takes place in a large parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Greece is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Hellenic Parliament...
has created a special account in all Greek banks, where financial help in relief of the people affected by the fire from all over the world is accepted. Additionally, financial aid from the EU
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
is expected. Forms of assistance in nature were also offered such as olive plants contributed by a Turkish
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
municipality and businessmen to a collect already organized in Mytilene
Mytilene
Mytilene is a town and a former municipality on the island of Lesbos, North Aegean, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Lesbos, of which it is a municipal unit. It is the capital of the island of Lesbos. Mytilene, whose name is pre-Greek, is built on the...
. The Greek Government
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
plans to spend 645.7 million euros ($946.7 million) to restore and rehabilitate areas burnt by the fires. This amount will be provided by both the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
and the Greek Government. The government has earmarked 150 million euros ($222 million) to help the people affected by the fire rebuild their homes and other buildings. The rapid nature of the response given in the form of a direct aid scheme free of red tape led to official claims in reverse a year after the calamity, as it has been the case for the residents of Ileia who were notified to return the aid payments. Opposition parties, in the meantime, accused the government of using the scheme to “buy” the votes of locals in the weeks before the Greek legislative election, 2007.
The Cypriot Government
Cyprus
Cyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
along with J&P ABAX have pledged to rebuild the town of Artemida
Artemida, Peloponnese
Artemida is a village near Zacharo in southwestern Ilia prefecture on the northwestern corner of the Peloponnese region of Greece. The village was completely destroyed in the 2007 Greek forest fires...
. They have currently signed an 8.5 million euro contract, which includes the construction of 80 structures of which 48 will be residential. The overall cost of the project is expected to be 14.5 million euro.
On February 20, 2008 UEFA
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
president Michel Platini
Michel Platini
Michel François Platini is a former French football player, manager and current president of UEFA. Platini was a member of the French national team that won the 1984 European Championship, a tournament in which he was the top goalscorer and voted the best player. He participated in the 1978, 1982...
presented the Hellenic Football Federation with a CHF1m cheque to help finance the rebuilding of football facilities damaged by the fires in Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
last summer.
The European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
has proposed 89.7 million euros in aid to Greece to offset part of the cost of the 2007 forest fires. The grant will be used to reimburse the costs of rescue services, provision of temporary housing, cleaning up of disaster-stricken areas, and the restoration of basic infrastructures to working condition. Furthermore, the EU created a 600 member team of European firefighters to combat continental forest fires, as a response to the 2007 summer forest fires in Southern Europe.
Reforestation
Politics of Greece
The Politics of Greece takes place in a large parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Greece is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Hellenic Parliament...
has urged regional authorities to start replanting large areas burnt by the summer forest fires. The government under Kostas Karamanlis has pledged that all burnt forests will be restored and protected from legal development. Full Replanting is expected to start after a reforestation study by forestry experts that is to be completed by December. Plans included anti-erosion measures and extensive replanting in the hardest hit prefectures of Arcadia
Arcadia
Arcadia is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the administrative region of Peloponnese. It is situated in the central and eastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. It takes its name from the mythological character Arcas. In Greek mythology, it was the home of the god Pan...
, Achaia, Ilia, Corinth, Laconia
Laconia
Laconia , also known as Lacedaemonia, is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of Peloponnese. It is situated in the southeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. Its administrative capital is Sparti...
, Messinia, and Evia
Euboea
Euboea is the second largest Greek island in area and population, after Crete. The narrow Euripus Strait separates it from Boeotia in mainland Greece. In general outline it is a long and narrow, seahorse-shaped island; it is about long, and varies in breadth from to...
. The Hill of Kronos which was totally burnt by the fires will be replanted with bushes and saplings. These bushes and saplings will include laurel bushes, oaks, olive trees, and other indigenous species.
See also
- 2009 Greek forest fires2009 Greek forest firesThe 2009 Greek forest fires were a series of massive wildfires that broke out across several areas in Greece during the summer of 2009. The fires began in Grammatiko, about twenty-five miles north-east of the Greek capital, Athens on 21 August 2009 and spread quickly towards the suburbs, engulfing...
- 2007 Croatian coast fires2007 Croatian coast firesThe 2007 Croatian coast fires were a series of fires that struck the Croatian coast in the summer of 2007. After a heat wave, which covered the entire Southern and Eastern Europe, the drought and southern wind helped spread the fires all over the Croatian coast, destroying a large part of the...
- 2007 European heat wave2007 European heat waveThe 2007 European heatwave was a heat wave that affected most of Southern Europe and the Balkans. The phenomenon began affecting Italy and Turkey on June 17 and expanded into Greece and the rest of the Balkans, Hungary and Ukraine on June 18.-June 2007:...
- October 2007 California wildfiresOctober 2007 California wildfiresThe October 2007 California wildfires were a series of wildfires that began burning across Southern California on October 20. At least 1,500 homes were destroyed and over 500,000 acres of land burned from Santa Barbara County to the U.S.–Mexico border...