Mount Athos remains on high alert for wildfire prevention

During the summer period, the fire protection forces in Mount Athos remain on constant alert. The area presents a number of particular challenges that increase the risk of wildfires and make firefighting operations more difficult.

Preparations began early last spring, while, following a request from the Karyes Fire Service of Mount Athos, a military unit carried out inspections of the forest road network, which suffers extensive damage during the winter months due to heavy rainfall. Wherever intervention was required, improvements were made using earthmoving equipment and trucks, while water supply points and water reservoirs were also inspected.

“This year is a difficult one because temperatures are higher, and due to the intense winter rainfall, forest and grassland vegetation has become extremely dense,” said Brigadier General Vasileios Psaltidis, Commander of the Karyes Fire Service, speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA). He explained that each monastery patrols its own surrounding area and maintains its grounds, carrying out clearing operations in coordination with the Fire Service. In addition, fire safety measures are implemented within the…