Every year the high temperatures and strong winds of the summer season cause a massive upsurge in forest fires, and as a result there is a demand for extra firefighters. In addition the effects of climate change are causing longer periods of high temperatures, which place extra demands on the firefighting services. Even during the cooler periods of autumn and spring, unseasonable temperatures can cause forest fires, as occurred in the middle of March, when a temporary no-fires period was declared in Crete from the 12th to the 18th of the month.
Every year the increased demand is met by hiring seasonal firefighters, and this year is no exception. The ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection is hiring 2,500 seasonal firefighters, following the passing by Parliament of the ministry’s bill on the restructuring of the Hellenic Police Force, while a special Forestry Operations Unit is being formed in Chania. In addition arrangements are being made to hire the seasonal firefighters for longer periods, and to give them the possibility of permanent employment once they have acquired certain qualifications.
The arrangements were announced this week by the deputy minister Evangelos Tournas, who informed the press that the period during which the seasonal firefighters will be employed is being extended by two months. Up to last year, the hirings lasted the length of the no-fires season, from 1st May to 31st October, whereas under the new regime the seasonal firemen will be employed from 1st April to 30th November. In another change, the age limit for drivers in the service is increased from 45 years to 50 and the term of firefighters hired on a 5-year contract can now be extended.
Specifically, the 4,000 seasonal firemen hired under regulation 3939/2011 who were given 5-year contracts at the time can now renew their service for another 5 years so long as they fulfil the required criteria. There are several categories of contracted firemen, related to the date when they were first hired. Both those whose 5-year term ends on 12th April 2025 and those who complete their term in January 2026 have the option of a 5-year extension if they are considered suitable by the relevant committees. In addition firemen on 5-year contracts who reach the age of 40 and are in possession of a High School Diploma, will be offered permanent employment in two batches – those who qualify by 1st February 2026, and those who qualify a year later in February 2027.
Another change allows for the 2,500 seasonal firemen already hired this year to have their term extended to 8 months for 2025 only, so that they serve from 1st May to the end of December. Moreover they will have the right to renew their contacts for the period 1st April to 20th November for the next five years.
Finally, the arrangements for “forest commandos” and the Special Forest Operations Units are being modified to allow for the hiring of a further 300 forest commandos and 300 firefighters for forest operations – of which 290 will be firefighters and the remaining ten scientific staff. This will allow the creation of four new units – in addition to the existing 16 – in Halkida, Chania, Pyrgos and Zakynthos, making a total of 20 Forest Operations Units.
(Haniotika Nea, 22/03/25)