French and Norwegian firefighters arrive in Greece as wildfires continue to burn

·

Firefighters from France and Norway have arrived in Greece to help the Greek Fire Service combat the wildfires ravaging the country.

The French contingent consists of 25 firefighters that will remain in Attica until the end of August.

The Norwegian unit, who arrived on Sunday, consists of 27 firefighters. They will be stationed in the central Peloponnesian city of Tripoli alongside a Finnish team of 48 firefighters expected to arrive later today.

This comes as the Greek Fire Service reports that 49 fires are currently burning across Greece.

In a ceremony held at the Fire Service Academy, welcoming the French unit and farewelling the 29 firefighters from Romania, Greece’s Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister, Christos Stylianides, remarked: “It is a special day for us Greeks.”

“We are in a difficult period, where in France you are also facing many forest fires. Your presence, dear friends, proves once again how strong the ties are between the Greek Fire Service and the corresponding French one,” he said.

“At the same time, it confirms the strong historical ties between our two countries, Greece and France.”

In a tweet following the event, the Minister added “Your presence is practical proof of fraternal ties.”

The arrival of more than 200 firefighters from Bulgaria, France, Germany, Romania, Norway and Finland between July and August has occurred in the context of the pre-positioning pilot project implemented through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

The new teams are replacing the 28 Romanians who left the country on July 29.

SOURCE: Greek Fire Service

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Australia’s Cypriot communities to mark 51 years since Turkish invasion of Cyprus

Cypriot communities across Australia are preparing a series of events to mark the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

From Bexley to Thessaloniki: Dimitri Sidiropoulos’ rise in Greek volleyball

Dimitri Sidiropoulos has has spread his wings and is showcasing his athletic talent in Greece, devoting his full love to volleyball.

STEM holiday program by Greek Community of Melbourne Schools a hit

The Greek Community of Melbourne’s Schools recently completed a successful and engaging educational initiative titled “STEM in Their Element"

Huge comeback win for St George Men’s team

The St George Men’s team faced a massive challenge: a 5am bus trip to Wagga Wagga to take on the formidable Wagga Wagga Heat.

Creditors of Bill Ferg’s Lobster Cave face total loss as rescue bid stalls

Creditors of Melbourne’s iconic seafood venue The Lobster Cave have been warned they are unlikely to recover any of the millions owed.

You May Also Like

Sydney Olympic FC reveal men’s and women’s squads at 2023 season launch

Sydney Olympic FC held their 2023 season launch for their Men's and Women's first-grade squads on February 3 at Canterbury Leagues Club.

Archbishop Makarios sends message on anniversary of Turkish invasion of Cyprus

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has released a statement to mark the 46th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison declares floods a national emergency during visit to Lismore

Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has declared a national emergency in response to catastrophic floods in northern New South Wales.