Greece Wildfires 2025: EU Sends Firefighters, Planes, and Drones

Published: July 27, 2025

Greece is currently facing one of its most destructive wildfire seasons in recent history, fueled by an extreme heatwave sweeping across the country. On July 27, 2025, the European Union launched emergency support under its EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist Greek authorities in managing the crisis.

More than 650 firefighters from 14 EU countries, along with 22 firefighting aircraft and 4 helicopters from the resceu fleet, have been deployed to critical fire zones. These include the Attica region — especially Kryoneri — as well as major islands such as Evia, Crete, Kythera, and Messinia.

Emergency teams responded to over 50 wildfires within 24 hours, using drones and coordinated aerial support to contain the flames. Several evacuation orders were issued, but thanks to rapid international assistance, major loss of life and property was avoided.

To boost its domestic response, Greece has increased its firefighting force to 18,000 personnel, including seasonal workers and volunteers. Its drone fleet has also expanded from 45 to 82 units in 2025. A new national strategy now focuses on early fire detection, rapid deployment, and AI-assisted coordination.

The European Union is investing €2.1 billion through 2025–2028 in climate emergency readiness — including new aircraft, surveillance drones, and firefighting infrastructure across member states.

This collaborative effort highlights the importance of European solidarity in addressing climate-related disasters. The EU’s quick deployment of resources has played a vital role in saving lives, protecting homes, and preserving Greece’s forests and natural ecosystems.

As climate change intensifies, cross-border cooperation like this will be key to strengthening resilience across Europe.