Drone system for faster response to fires will be expanded beyond Attica

Kikilias criticized some SYRIZA officials for "creating small-minded politics and a toxic climate" and called on everyone to overcome partisan politics and contribute to preventing fires.

He also spoke of property owners, who were requested to have completed cleaning their plots of land of flammable material by April 30, including cutting dry grass, and to have declared so on a platform (akatharista.apps.gov.gr) by end of June. "There have already been 236,000 statements on the platform, therefore 236,000 of our fellow-Greeks have self-reported that they cleared their plots this year. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart, they have contributed in their patriotic duty, they have helped to prevent a fire from spreading," Kikilias said.

Speaking of the state-of-the-art drone system that is used for mountains and urban forestland in Attica Region, Kikilias said that the sytem will be extended to the rest of the country: "We expanded this system throughout Attica, where 25 drones will fly and continue to fly until September 30, and I very much thank the seven mayors who have contributed to this effort." He noted that more mayors, in northern Greece in particular, want to implement the system. "Technology now allows us to be able to intervene earlier," in case of fire, he said.