Historical disasters

7.1. Greece

So let’s start by saying how a fire starts: campfires, smoking, lightning, debris burning, fireworks and arson are the most common causes. There are also a couple of factors that can make a wildfire bigger, like wind, slope, temperature and humidity. In case a fire happens stay calm. Immediately call the Fire Brigade (calling number in Greece: 199) and give a detailed account of your position and the wildfire's position, describe the attributes of vegetation that is burning, determine the wildfire's direction of spreading, do not hang up before giving all the necessary information to the fire service.

The Hellenic Fire Service (Pyrosvestiko Soma) is the national agency of Greece for fire and rescue service. It is part of the Ministry for Citizens’ Protection. It is responsible for putting out the fires that occur in Greece. But if someone doesn’t take care during a fire, it is really easy for them to lose their life, the most serious consequence of fire, which is neither valued nor restored. In cases of fire, in which human lives are in danger, the aim of the firefighters is primarily to protect and rescue people, and then to protect forests, houses, social structures etc. However, the greatest danger from a fire focuses on human health and specifically on vulnerable groups such as children, elderly, and people who suffer from chronic respiratory problems.

One of the greatest fires that ever happened in our country is the Great Fire in Thessaloniki. The greatest fire that occurred in Thessaloniki happened in 1917, almost a century ago, and was not extinguished for 13 days (5 of August – 18 of August).

Other great fires are the 2007 Forest Fires. 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 23 August, expanded rapidly and raged out of control until 27 August, 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

The Big Fire of Thessaloniki ,in 1917