By Ilias Karagiannis
Fires are a constant nightmare for Greece, and this year is no exception. As part of strengthening Greece’s capabilities to tackle fires during the summer fire season of 2024, two Australian companies have decided to assist, reaffirming the strong ties between the two countries.
Pays Air Services and McDermott Aviation, have sent 28 firefighting aircraft to Greece, along with a crew and support staff of more than 200 people.
This is the fifth fire season where McDermott Aviation have sent helicopters to support Greece throughout the summer.
The Australian Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, stated on social media that it was “great to check out the aircraft and meet some of the crews this week.”
Australia’s firefighting aircraft will operate from various bases in Greece, including Athens, Rhodes, Kalamata, Volos, Tripoli, Ioannina, Thessaloniki, Alexandroupoli, and Crete, covering a wide range of areas at risk of wildfires this summer.
The arrival of the Australian firefighting aircraft comes at a critical time for Greece, as the country prepares for a fire season expected to be particularly challenging due to dry conditions.
The collaboration between Greece and Australia in fire protection is an excellent example of international solidarity and the exchange of expertise in combating wildfires.
