Volunteer firefighters fighting Greece's fires

Dimitris Marinelis, a Greek firefighter, spent the summer of 2023 on the frontlines of Europe's largest wildfire, which engulfed an entire forest in northern Greece. He protected homes and set up anti-fire areas as flames engulfed it.

Marinelis, like the other members of his team, has never been paid for his work. He is one of thousands who are volunteers and juggle their day jobs while battling Greece's summer fires. They often drop everything to be where they are needed.

Marinelis, 54, a 54-year old businessman who runs a construction firm, told the volunteers at their base in Ekali, a leafy suburb of Athens.

He said: "When the phone rings or you have to work, you stop thinking of yourself and start thinking of others."

Climate change is making Greece hotter and drier, which makes it more susceptible to wildfires. The government announced that they will deploy 18,000 firefighters in record numbers this year. This compares with 15,500 firefighters in 2022. They also plan to recruit around 10,000 volunteers.

The company has also set aside 2 billion euros ($2.3billion) for the purchase of new aircraft. It will also use almost twice as many thermal cameras drones to detect fires than last year. One of these will be used by Ekali's team.

Marinelis stated, "Unfortunately we are waiting for the worst while hoping for the better."

The Greek fire service has a mix of seasonal and permanent workers, and is supported by volunteers. Many Greeks consider this to be the backbone of the firefighting efforts in the country. Online, images of tired firefighters in blackened clothing sleeping by the roadside with messages of support are often posted.

It's not always easy for organizations to stay afloat.

George Dertilis, the leader of Ekali's 60-member team, said that his team relies on donations to buy equipment and trucks. One truck dates back to 1986. Their uniforms were donated by their colleagues in France or Belgium.

He said, "There are occasions when we don't have basic supplies such as hoses."

Dertilis stated that in 2021, two weeks before an enormous fire broke out outside Athens they couldn't afford to cover all four trucks. Private donors then stepped up. The fire then destroyed their hoses, and they began searching for donations as the flames continued to burn.

The team has grown closer over the years. But it's usually the thought of the family that makes them take less risks.

Marinelis Pilou's wife Mariana Pilou is an architect and also volunteers on the team. They both have young daughters, and they try to avoid being deployed to the same fire.

Pilou, 53 recalls a recent incident. "It was difficult and when I had to leave, I thought about my children and said... Don't act as a hero." (Writing and Editing by Alexandra Hudson, Karolina Tagaris)

(source: Reuters)