2007 Greek forest fires

Infobox wildfire
title = 2007 Greek forest fires


caption = Animation showing fires in southern Greece (22-26 August 2007), from NASA satellite images.
location = Greece: Peloponnese, Attica and Euboea
date = June 28 2007 - September 3 2007
time =
timezone =
acres = convert|670000|acre|km2|0|abbr=on
source = heat wave, arson, and wind
landuse =
fatalities = June: 9
July: 5
August: 67
September: 3
Total: 84
injuries = Exact number unknown - number believed to be in the several dozens of people.
perps =
motive =

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 August 23, expanded rapidly and raged out of control until August 27, 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.cite news |url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=833946&lngDtrID=244 |title=Αλλος ένας νεκρός από τις καταστροφικές πυρκαγιές του Αυγούστου|language=Greek |date=2007-09-21 |accessdate=2007-09-21 |work=Athens News Agency |publisher=www.in.gr] In total 84 people lost their lives to the fires including fire fighters.

Some of these firestorms are believed to be the result of arson while others were indeed the result of mere negligence. Hot temperatures, that included three consecutive heat waves of over 40 °C (105 °F), [cite news |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/25/news/hot.php |title=Hints of relief in European heat wave, but more flooding in Britain |date=2007-07-25 |accessdate=2007-08-26 |publisher=International Herald Tribune |work=AP] and severe drought rendered the 2007 summer unprecedented in modern Greek history.cite news |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/26/europe/26greece.php |title=Greece declares emergency as forest fires rage |last=Carassava |first=Anthee |date=2007-08-25 |accessdate=2007-08-26 |publisher=International Herald Tribune |work=AP ] From the end of June to early September, over 3,000 forest fires were recorded across the nation. Nine more people were killed in blazes in June and July.

A total of 2,700 square kilometers (670,000 acres) of forest, olive groves and farmland were destroyed in the fires, which was the worst fire season on record in the past 50 years.cite news |title=Greek government calls for faster action on replanting of burnt forests |date=2007-10-23 |accessdate=2007-11-21 |work=The Associated Press |publisher=International Herald Tribune] cite news |url=http://www.panda.org/news_facts/newsroom/index.cfm?uNewsID=114400 |title=Greek forests severely damaged by summer fires |date=2007-09-27 |accessdate=2007-10-13 |publisher=www.panda.org |work=World Wide Fund for Nature] Of the total of 2,700 km², 1,500 km² (370,000 acres) were burnt forests in Southern Greece alone. Many buildings were also destroyed in the blaze. The fire destroyed 1,000 houses and 1,100 other buildings, and damaging hundreds more.

Timeline

June

The first major fire of the summer of 2007 was started on June 28 2007.cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6252676.stm |title=Greek forest fire close to Athens |accessdate=2007-11-22 |date=2007-06-29 |work=BBC News |publisher=news.bbc.co.uk] It is perceived to have been started by either an exploding electrical pylon or by arsonists. Significant parts of the Parnitha National Park were destroyed, and in total, the fire burnt convert|15723|acre|km2|1|abbr=oncite press release |title=Συνέντευξη Τύπου Γ. Σουφλιά για την Πάρνηθα |publisher=Hellenic Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning, & Public Works |date=2007-07-18 |url=http://www.minenv.gr/download/2007-07-18.sinenteksi.typoy.Parnitha.doc |format=.doc |language=Greek |accessdate=2008-01-15 |quote=Συνολική καμένη έκταση πυρήνα Εθνικού Δρυμού Πάρνηθας: 15.723 (Σύνολο 38.000)] of the core of the national forest in a matter of days. Overall the mountain of Parnitha suffered a burnt area of convert|38000|acre|km2|1|abbr=on, making it one of the worst recorded wildfires in Attica since the Penteli fire of July 1995.cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUKL2992093420070629 |title=Raging forest fires rain ash on Athens |date=2007-06-29 |accessdate=2007-11-22 |work=Reuters |last=Hatzidakis |first=George |publisher=uk.reuters.com]

The magnitude of the devastation was unforeseen. Environmental studies in Greece report that the Athenian microclimate will significantly change to warmer during the summer season, and flooding is now a very probable danger for the northern suburbs of the city. Mount Parnitha was considered the "lungs" of Athens; following its considerable burning, both the city and local flora and fauna are expected to feel the consequences. Other affected areas included Pelion, Agia and Melivoia, Skourta, Dafni, and Pyli.

July

On 11 July 2007, a fire was sparked at a garbage dump near Agia Paraskevi, Skiathos, and spread across the island. Residents and tourists were forced to evacuate to nearby Troulos, and returned after the fire was put out.cite news |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6775792,00.html |title=Fire Scorches Greek Tourist Island |date=2007-07-12 |accessdate=2008-01-28 |last=Ross |first=John F.L. |work=Associated Press |publisher=Guardian Unlimited] More than 100 fires were reported by July 15 2007, in such locations as Kerateacite news |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/15/europe/EU-GEN-Greece-Wildfires.php |title=Strong winds fan fires across Greece |work=AP |publisher=International Herald Tribune |date=2007-07-15 |accessdate=2007-08-26] outside of Athens, Peloponnese, and on the Aegean islands of Andros, Evia, Lesbos, and Samos, as well as Crete and the Ionian island of Kefalonia.

In Peloponnese around July 20 2007, a fire which started from the mountains over the town of Aigio expanded rapidly towards Diakopto and Akrata, destroyed a large area of forests and cultivated land. In the same fire many villages were totally or partiallly burned, resulting in the loss of 230 houses and 10 churches; three people lost their lives. A 26-year old farmer and a 77-year old woman were arrested on suspicion of arson concerning the fires in Aigio and Diakopto. The farmer confessed and is currently held in prison. [cite web |url=http://www.egio.gr/fvties.html |title=ΑΙΓΙΟ: ΔΡΑΜΑΤΙΚΕΣ ΣΤΙΓΜΕΣ |language=Greek |publisher=www.egio.gr]

August

Fires continued, on August 17 2007 they started to burn on the outskirts of Athens.cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6950662.stm |title=Forest fire grips Athens suburbs |date=2007-08-17 |accessdate=2007-11-21 |work=BBC News |publisher=news.bbc.co.uk] The fire started from Mt. Penteli and started burning down towards the suburbs. More than sixty fire engines, nineteen planes and helicopters, and hundreds of firefighters as well as locals attempted to hold back the fire. Melisia, Vrilisia, and Penteli city were affected in the blaze that was put out, once winds calmed down.

On August 24 2007, fires broke out in Peloponnese, Attica and Euboea. In Peloponnese, the fire burnt many villages and accounted for 60 deaths. Six people were reported to have been killed in the town of Areopoli. In Zacharo, one of the worst hit areas, at least 30 people were found dead by firefighters while searching burning cars and homes.

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis declared a state of emergency for the whole country and requested help from fellow members of the European Union.cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-greece26aug26,1,1261594.story?coll=la-news-a_section |title=Fires in Greece spread, multiply |accessdate=2007-08-26 |date=2007-08-26 |publisher=Associated Press |work=LA Times] Multiple countries responded to the call and sent help. Additionally, 500 Greek soldiers were sent in the affected areas.cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6963964.stm |title=Fires prompt Greek National Alert |work=BBC News |publisher=news.bbc.co.uk |accessdate=2007-08-25 |date=2007-08-25] Another 500 Greek soldiers were called up bringing the total to 1,000 military personnel involved in the fire fighting.

On August 25 2007, fires broke out on Mount Hymettus and in the suburb of Filothei in Athens. Officials said these fires were the result of arson, as the firefighters found many bottles with gasoline in affected areas. Arson is also suspected for the fires in Peloponnese, as more than 20 fires started at about the same time.cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6963373.stm |title=Death toll mounts in Greek fires |accessdate=2007-08-25 |date=2007-08-25 |publisher=news.bbc.co.uk |work=BBC News] Two fires broke out in Keratea and one in Markopoulo Mesogaias in East Attica on August 25 2007. The first fire was not under control until the following day, while the second was put out quickly. The Keratea fire had a length of convert|12|km|mi|0 and a man was hospitalised with second degree burns.cite news |url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=826554&lngDtrID=244 |title=Πύρινος εφιάλτης στην Αττική με πυρκαγιές στα Καλύβια και τον Υμηττό |date=2007-08-26 |accessdate=2007-11-21 |work=Athens News Agency |publisher=www.in.gr |language=Greek]

Olympia

Olympia, site of the ancient Olympics and World Heritage Site, was evacuated on August 26 2007.cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6964345.stm |title=Greek fires threaten ancient city. |accessdate=2007-08-26 |date=2007-08-26 |publisher=BBC |work=BBC World TV and online] Fears were expressed for the survival of the ruins of ancient Olympia lying near the raging fire. The famous statue of Hermes of Praxiteles and nearby antiquities were spared from the fire, but the yard of the museum where the statue is housed was scorched.cite news |url=http://ca.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2007-08-26T174128Z_01_L25430623_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-GREECE-FIRES-COL.XML |work=Reuters |publisher=Reuters Canada |title=Greek fires kill 56 and lick ancient Olympia |accessdate=2007-08-26 |date=2007-08-26 |last=Triandafyllou |first=Vassilis] According to the official statement of former Minister of Culture Georgios Voulgarakis, no serious damage was caused to the antiquities.cite news |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/26/europe/EU-GEN-Greece-Fires.php |title=Fires rage across Greece |work=AP |publisher=International Herald Tribune |date=2007-08-25 |accessdate=2007-08-26] The fire burnt all the trees on the hilltop above, and an area of brush and open space adjacent to the Olympic Academy.cite news |url=http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/aug2007/2007-08-27-01.asp |title=Greek Fires Blamed on Arson, Olympic Antiquities Saved |date=2007-08-27 |accessdate=2007-08-28 |publisher=www.ens-newswire.com |work=Environment News Service] The fire did not damage the archaeological museum nor did it damage the several ancient structures in the area. "The wider archaeological space of Olympia remains intact," stated Mr. Voulgarakis. Despite the Minister's claims, it has been established, as of August 26, that the afflicted damage is of greater importance and scale; [cite news |url=http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_civ_553393_29/08/2007_239167 |title=Ministry of Culture admits existence of damages in Olympia. |accessdate=2007-08-29 |date=2007-08-29 |publisher=news.kathimerini.gr |work=Kathimerini] the sacred Hill of Kronos was totally burnt during the blaze.cite news |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/25/europe/EU-GEN-Greece-Ancient-Olympia.php |title=Greek authorities to start replanting Ancient Olympia's fire-ravaged forests |date=2007-10-25 |accessdate=2007-11-21 |work=Associated Press |publisher=International Herald Tribune] cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7121695.stm |title=Greek lives scarred by inferno |last=Polyzoidis |first=Panos |date=2007-12-03 |accessdate=2007-12-19 |work=BBC News |publisher=news.bbc.co.uk] The hill was left blackened, but will soon be reforested. New Culture Minister Michalis Liapis has stated that 3,200 bushes and saplings will be planted on the Hill of Kronos, to return the area to its previous appearance.

eptember

The fires continued to burn into early September. On September 1 2007, firefighters were still suppressing a strong blaze in Peloponnese.cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6974577.stm |work=BBC News |publisher=news.bbc.co.uk |title=Europe backs fire-stricken Greece |accessdate=2007-09-04 |date=2007-09-01] Three blazes remained, with the fires destructive path continuing in Arcadia and Mt. Parnon in Laconia. Then, on September 3 2007 a lightning strike started a new fire on Mt. Vermion, which was soon brought under control by firefighters.cite news |url=http://www.pliroforiodotis.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=813&Itemid=1 |work=pliroforiodotis.gr News |publisher=www.pliroforiodotis.gr |title=Υπό πλήρη έλεγχο η φωτιά στο Βέρμιο |accessdate=2007-09-03 |date=2007-09-03 |language=Greek] On September 5 the death toll reached 67,cite news |url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=829262&lngDtrID=244 |work=in.gr News |publisher=www.in.gr |title=Αυξήθηκε ο αριθμός των θυμάτων από τις πυρκαγιές |accessdate=2007-09-05 |date=2007-09-05 |language=Greek] and on September 21 reached 68.

International assistance

When the August fires broke out, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis requested help from the members of the European Union and other nations. The following countries offered help, but some offers were refused:cite news|url=http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=56129&sectionId=46 |title=Countries Send Firefighters, Aircraft to Help Greeks |date=2007-08-27 |accessdate=2007-08-27 |publisher=Associated Press |work=Firehouse.com]

*Austria – Two helicopters, two planes, one transport plane, and 20 firefighters.
*Canada - Four Canadair CL-215 water bombers and two spotter planes from the provinces of Alberta and Manitoba and one Martin Mars bomber along with a Cessna L-19 spotter plane from British Columbia have been offered, but not yet accepted from the Greek government. [cite news |url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/story/4029758p-4640787c.html |title=Manitoba offers water bombers to Greece |date=2007-08-28 |accessdate=2007-08-28 |publisher=Winnipeg Free Press]
*Croatia - Two Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft.
*Cyprus – 12 firefighting vehicles, 98 firefighters, 29 civil defense personnel.
*Czech Republic – One helicopter with a five member crew. (Declined.)
*Denmark – Six firefighting all-terrain vehicles, which are able to scale steep slopes.
*Finland – Three helicopters, 25 firefighters and 2-3 forest fire experts.cite news |url=http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Finland+offers+helicopters+firemen+and+experts+to+fight+Greek+forest+fires+/1135229835383 |title=Finland offers helicopters, firemen and experts to fight Greek forest fires |work=Helsingin Sanomat |date=2007-08-28 |accessdate=2007-08-29 |publisher=www.hs.fi] (Declined as the equipment was not suitable - Finland will assist in reconstruction instead.)
*France – Four Canadair CL-215 water-tanker planes, 60 firefighters who specialize in helicopter operations, six firefighting vehicles. [cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article2331071.ece |title=51 dead as Greek forest fires rage on |date=2007-08-26 |accessdate=2007-08-26 |publisher=www.timesonline.co.uk |work=The Times]
*Germany – Three CH-53 water-carrying helicopters.

*Hungary – Two fire engines, 18 firefighters, one doctor, as well as additional equipment.
*Israel – Three helicopters and 55 firefighters.cite news |url=http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1188128148356&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull |title=Israel to send Greece 25 firefighters with full equipment |date=2007-08-26 |accessdate=2007-08-27 |work=The Jerusalem Post |publisher=www.jpost.com |first=Jonathan |last=Beck]
*Italy – One Canadair water-tanker plane.
*Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – Three firefighting vehicles, 26 professional firefighters and 60 members of the "Protection and Rescue Directorate". [cite news |url=http://www.a1.com.mk/vesti/default.asp?VestID=83156|title=Greece Rejects FYROM's Help |date=2007-08-27 |accessdate=2007-08-27 |publisher=www.a1.com.mk] (Sent back by border guards.)
*Netherlands – Three Eurocopter AS 532 firefighting helicopters and 27 crew members.
*Norway – One Bell 214 firefighting helicopter. [cite web |url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article1958352.ece|title=Norwegian helicopter on the way |date=2007-08-27 |accessdate=2007-08-27 |publisher=www.aftenposten.no]
*Portugal – One Canadair CL-215 water-tanker plane and six personnel.
*Romania – One Mil Mi-17 helicopter with a nine member crew and one airplane.
*Russia – Five Kamov Ka-27 helicopters, six Mil Mi-26 helicopters, two Mil Mi-8 helicopters, and a Beriev Be-200 water-tanker plane.cite news |url=http://en.rian.ru/world/20070827/74913542.html |title=Russia plans to send additional help to fight fires in Greece |date=2007-08-27 |accessdate=2007-08-27 |work=RIA Novosti |publisher=en.rian.ru]
*Serbia – Six M-18 Dromader and one Antonov An-2 firefighting planes, 6 firefighting all-terrain vehicles and 55 firefighters. The army is on alert for deployment. Novi Sad sent a team of 11 firefighters.cite news|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2007&mm=08&dd=28&nav_category=90&nav_id=43337 |title=Serbia sends seven planes to Greece |date=2007-08-28 |accessdate=2007-08-28 |publisher=B92 |work=B92] cite news|url=http://www.srbija.sr.gov.yu/vesti/vest.php?id=37824 |title=Serbian Interior Ministry sends firefighting squad to Greece |date=2007-08-31 |accessdate=2007-09-01 |publisher=Government of Serbia |work=Government of Serbia] cite news|url=http://www.dnevnik.co.yu/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=28349 |title=Novosadski vatrogasci gase požare u Grčkoj |date=2007-08-31 |accessdate=2007-09-05 |publisher=Dnevnik (Novi Sad) |work=Dnevnik (Novi Sad)]
*Slovenia – One water-carrying helicopter.cite web |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,2752324,00.html |title=EU Sends Help to Fight Raging Fires in Greece |date=2007-08-26 |accessdate=2007-08-26 |work=DW-World |publisher=www.dw-world.de]
*Spain – Two Canadair CL-215 water-tanker planes. [cite news|url=http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=443352dc-be11-4c1e-9621-a52b09caa70e |title=Greece declares state of emergency |date=2007-08-25 |accessdate=2007-08-26 |publisher=Agence France-Presse |work=Canada.com]
*Sweden – One Bell-205 firefighting helicopter. [cite news |url=http://sydsvenskan.se/varlden/article261717.ece |title=Svensk hjälp på plats i Grekland |date=2007-08-27 |accessdate=2007-08-27 |publisher=Sydsvenskan |language=Swedish]
*Switzerland – Four Eurocopter Super Puma water-carrying helicopters.
*Turkey – One firefighting aircraft. [cite news|url=http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=191190 |title=Turkey sends fire-fighting plane to Greece |date=2007-08-27 |accessdate=2007-08-27 |publisher=Turkish Press.com]

List of affected areas

*Achaia
**Aigio
**Diakopto
**Akrata
**Leontio
**Kalavryta
**Kallithea, Achaea
**Patras
*Aetolia-Acarnania
**Astakos
**Palaiochoraki Nafpaktias
*Aegean Islands
**Skiathoscite news |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/16/news/greece.php |title=As forest fires burn, suffocated Athens is outraged |first=Niki |last=Kitsantonis |date=2007-07-16 |accessdate=2008-02-03 |work=International Herald Tribune]
**Lesbos
**Crete
*Arcadia Prefecture
**Anemodouri
**Leontari
**Akovos
**Veligosti
**Mallota
**Manthyrea
*Attica Periphery
**Athens
**Grammatiko
**Mt. Parnithacite news |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5ho4R6U6QfmZNZZlFF4a4lWyihAxQ |date=2008-01-14 |accessdate=2008-01-17 |title=Greek volunteers replant fire-ravaged forest |work=AFP |publisher=Google News]
**Mt. Imittos
**Mt. Penteli
**Keratea
**Lagonissi
*Corinthia Prefecture
**Chiliomodi
**Sofiko
*East Attica Prefecture
**Kalyvia Thorikou
*Elis Prefecturecite news |url=http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9718557 |title=Fighting Greek fire |date=2007-08-29 |accessdate=2007-12-19 |work=The Economist |publisher=www.economist.com]
**Ampelona
**Ancient Olympia
**Andritsaina
**Chelidonio
**Dafnoula
**Figaleia
**Giannitsochori
**Koliri
**Oleni
**Pelopio
**Pineia
**Skillounta
**Zacharo
*Euboea Prefecture
**Aliveri
**Amarynthos
**Marmari
**Styra
*Ilia
*Imathia Prefecture
**Vermion Mountains
*Laconia Prefecture
**Areopoli
**Skala
**Krokees
**Geraki
**Gerolimenas
**Oitylo
*Messinia Prefecture
**Kalamata
**Filiatra
**Meligalas
**Pylos
**Aetos, Messenia
***Christianous
***Gargalianoi
*Phthiotis Prefecture
**Lianokladi

Aftermath

Alleged arson

Quote_box
width=35%
align=right
quote= "The reward is set between €100,000 and €1,000,000 ($1.36 million US dollars) for every [act of] arson, depending on whether death or serious injury occurred and the size of the damage."
source=Vyron Polydoras [cite news |title=Greece offers big rewards for tracking down arsonists |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/greece-offers-big-rewards-for-tracking-down-arsonists/2007/08/27/1188067034646.html |date=2007-08-28 |accessdate=2007-08-27 |publisher=www.smh.com.au |first=Vassilis |last=Triandafyllou |work=Reuters, Australian Associated Press] [cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22313504-23109,00.html |title=Greece offers $1.36 m reward for arsonists |accessdate=2007-08-27 |date=2007-08-27 |work=Reuters |publisher=www.news.com.au]

The former Minister for Public Order, Vyron Polydoras, stated the fires may be a result of terrorist attacks, as many of the fires started simultaneously and in places where an arsonist could not be seen. He also stated that the country is facing an "asymmetric threat", a military term used for terrorist attacks. [cite news |url=http://news.pathfinder.gr/greece/politics/423069.html |title="Ασύμμετρη απειλή" |date=2007-08-26 |accessdate=2007-08-26 |work=ERT |publisher=Pathfinder |language=Greek]

While some fires are believed to have been caused by environmental factors, others clearly were not. The fires could have been deliberately put as a way to get around Greek law which forbids property development on areas designated as forest land and to pull benefit from Greece's unique position as the only EU country without a full land registry system.cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6965078.stm |title= Greek forest fires reward offered |date=2007-08-27 |publisher=BBC] cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6964519.stm |title=Inside the mind of the fire starter |last=Wilson |first=Sam |date=2007-08-26 |accessdate=2007-11-21 |work=BBC News |publisher=news.bbc.co.uk] A substantial reward has been offered for anyone providing information which leads to the arrest of an arsonist.

Greek police announced the capture of three arson suspects: A 65-year old man from Areopolis was charged with arson and murder relating to the fire which killed at least 6 in this area. Also, in northern Kavala, two youths have been detained on suspicion of arson. Greek government press minister Theodoros Roussopoulos confirmed on August 27 that 61 people had been arrested on suspicion of involvement in arson, seven of these being retained in custody.

On August 27 2007, PASOK leader George Papandreou accused the government of insinuating that his party is involved in the fires and called on Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis to produce any evidence that would support there was such an organized plan. [cite news |url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_28/08/2007_87183 |title=Fires wreak destruction in Greece for a fourth day |date=2007-08-28 |accessdate=2007-08-28 |publisher=www.ekathimerini] Heavy criticism directed towards the government for its handling of the crisis, with the Greek press forming a chorus in ridiculing the incompetence of the country's officials, was accentuated in September by the reported discovery of steps aimed at giving a green light to property developers in the ravaged region. [cite news|url=http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article2976686.ece Article |title=Outrage in Greece over secret plan to develop land in region ravaged by fires |date=2007-09-19 |accessdate=2007-11-30|author=Elinda Labropoulou|publisher=The Independent]

Consequences

On August 25, Super League Greece and the Hellenic Football Federation decided to postpone the opening fixtures scheduled for that weekend due to the fires. [cite news |url=http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=574997.html |title=Greek season start postponed |publisher=www.uefa.com |work=UEFA |date=2007-08-25 |accessdate=2007-08-25] Campaigning for the country's forthcoming general election was suspended for a short period of time. The vote was not be postponed since this is not allowed under the current Constitution. [cite news |url=http://www.vouli.gr/politeuma/syntagmaDetails.asp?ArthroID=43 |title=MEPOΣ TPITO – Oργάνωση και λειτουργίες της Πολιτείας |accessdate=2007-08-26 |publisher=Parliament.gr |work=Hellenic Government|language=Greek]

The destruction that was caused by the fires is expected to have a large financial impact to the areas affected by the fires. Originally the estimated amount was about 1.5 billion Euro in immediate damages. [cite news |url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=827071 |title=Ξεπερνά το 1,5 δισ. ευρώ το κόστος των ζημιών από τις πυρκαγιές |language=Greek |date=2007-08-28 |accessdate=2007-08-30 |work=Athens New Agency |publisher=www.in.gr] The amount has now risen to 2 billion euros ($2.9 billion).cite news |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=ax1IYpsKfGmQ&refer=europe |title=Greek August Wildfire Damage Seen at EU2 Billion, Minister Says |last=Papachristou |first=Harry |date=2007-10-29 |accessdate=2007-11-21 |work=Bloomberg |publisher=www.bloomberg.com] The cumulative financial impact after taking into consideration the loss of national income due to the destruction of the local agricultural infrastructure and the potentially negative impact on local tourism is estimated around 5 billion Euro or more. [cite news |url=http://www.stockwatch.com.cy/nqcontent.cfm?a_name=news_view&ann_id=74961 |title=Στα 5 δισ. ευρώ οι ζημιές |language=Greek |date=2007-08-29 |accessdate=2007-08-30 |work=Imerisia.gr |publisher=www.stockwatch.com.cy]

The status of Olympia for the 2008 Summer Olympics flame-lighting ceremony is threatening to undermine the whole ceremony.cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/more/01/17/beijing.torch.ap/ |title=Beijing torch ceremony in peril |date=2008-01-17 |accessdate=2008-01-17 |work=Associated Press |publisher=Sports Illustrated] The Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) has warned that the delays in the reforestation process will undermine the whole ceremony. The HOC states, "Unless it drastically improves in the coming period, (Olympia's) present image will constitute global defamation for Greece."

Financial assistance

Due to the unprecedented scale of the destruction many of the country's leading banks, businesses, institutions and local administrations have offered considerable amounts of cash in order to help the people and businesses that suffer financially due to the fires. [cite news |url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=827236&lngDtrID=244 |title=Κινητοποίηση οργανισμών, επιχειρήσεων και πολιτών για ενίσχυση των πυροπαθών |date=2007-08-28 |accessdate=2007-08-29 |work=Athens News Agency |publisher=www.in.gr |language=Greek] The government has created a special account in all Greek banks, where financial help in relief of the people affected by the fire from all over the world is accepted. [ [http://www.ihelp.gr I Help Greece ] ] Additionally, financial aid from the EU is expected. [cite news |url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=827959&lngDtrID=244 |title=Αξιοποίηση του Ταμείου Αλληλεγγύης της ΕΕ για τους πυρόπληκτους υπόσχεται η Ντ.Χούμπνερ |language=Greek |date=2007-08-31 |accessdate=2007-09-01 |work=Athens News Agency |publisher=www.in.gr] Forms of assistance in nature were also offered such as olive plants contributed by a Turkish municipality and businessmen to a collect already organized in Mytilene. [cite news |url=http://web.ana-mpa.gr/anafrench/articleview2.php?id=26465|title=Des Turcs de la municipalite Altinoluk offrent 20.000 plants d'oliviers |language=French|date=2007-09-02 |accessdate=2007-09-06 |work=Athens News Agency |publisher=http://web.ana-mpa.gr] The Greek Government plans to spend 645.7 million Euros ($946.7 million) to restore and rehabilitate areas burnt by the fires.cite news |title=Gov't unveils master plan to restore areas ravaged by summer forest fires |work=Associated Press |date=2007-11-19 |publisher=PR-Inside.com |accessdate=2007-11-21 |url=http://www.pr-inside.com/gov-t-unveils-master-plan-to-restore-r308136.htm] This amount will be provided by both the European Union and the Greek Government. The government has earmarked 150 million euros ($222 million) to help the people affected by the fire rebuild their homes and other buildings.

The Cypriot Government along with J&P ABAX have pledged to rebuild the town of Artemida.cite news |url=http://www.financialmirror.com/more_news.php?id=9545&type=st&nt=Business |title=J&P ABAΧ to rebuild Artemida on account of Cyprus |date=2008-01-10 |accessdate=2008-01-17 |work=Financial Mirror |publisher=www.finalcialmirror.com] They have currently signed an 8.5 million euro contract, [cite news |url=http://www.hemscott.com/news/latest-news/item.do?newsId=57266947177641 |title=Greece's J&P Avax signs 8.68 mln eur deal with Cyprus for restoration project |date=2008-01-15 |accessdate=2008-01-17 |work=Euro2day.gr/Newswire |publisher=Hemscott] which includes the construction of 80 structures of which 48 will be residential. The overall cost of the project is expected to be 14.5 million euro.

On February 20 2008 UEFA president Michel Platini presented the Hellenic Football Federation with a CHF1m cheque to help finance the rebuilding of football facilities damaged by the fires in Greece last summer. [cite news |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefa/keytopics/kind=64/newsid=661039.html |title=UEFA helps Greece rebuild after fires |date=2008-02-20 |accessdate=2008-02-20 |work=UEFA |first=Grigorios |last=Biskos]

The European Union has proposed 89.7 million euros in aid to Greece to offset part of the cost of the 2007 forest fires.cite news |url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90856/6389101.html |title=EU proposes 89.7 mln euros in aid for Greek forest fires |date=2008-04-09 |accessdate=2008-05-08 |work=Xinhua |publisher=People's Daily Online] The grant will be used to reimburse the costs of rescue services, provision of temporary housing, cleaning up of disaster-stricken areas, and the restoration of basic infrastructures to working condition. Furthermore, the EU created a 600 member team of European firefighters to combat continental forest fires, as a response to the 2007 summer forest fires in Southern Europe.cite news |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jlBzKURAXe5fJ9LxWDbirnf4fD-g |title=European firefighters in joint bid to tackle forest fires |date=2008-04-16 |accessdate=2008-05-08 |work=AFP |publisher=Google News]

Reforestation

The Greek Government has urged regional authorities to start replanting large areas burnt by the summer forest fires. The government under Kostas Karamanlis has pledged that all burnt forests will be restored and protected from legal development. Full Replanting is expected to start after a reforestation study by forestry experts that is to be completed by December. Plans included anti-erosion measures and extensive replanting in the hardest hit prefectures of Arcadia, Achaia, Ilia, Corinth, Laconia, Messinia, and Evia. The Hill of Kronos which was totally burnt by the fires will be replanted with bushes and saplings. These bushes and saplings will include laurel bushes, oaks, olive trees, and other indigenous species.

ee also

*2007 Croatian coast fires
*2007 European heat wave
*October 2007 California wildfires

References

External links

* [http://www.greeceinflames.org Greeceinflames.org - Resource website for the 2007 fires in Greece]
* [http://www.dailyfrappe.com/menu/greekfirerelief/tabid/83/Default.aspx Info on Relief Funds - DailyFrappe]
* [http://www.ihelp.gr/Default.aspx ihelp.gr]
* [http://ilias.webatlantis.org/2007/08/28/varvasaina-pyrgos-fires-greece-august-2007/ Wildfire photos in Varvasaina, Pyrgos, Greece]