2007 Greek forest fires

Series of forest fires across Greece throughout summer 2007 May 2020 2007 Greek forest fires Greekfires3 thumb.gif Animation showing fires in southern Greece (22–26 August 2007), from NASA satellite images. Greece: Peloponnese, Attica and Euboea 28 June 2007 - 3 September 2007 270,000 ha km2 mi2 offacres heat wave, arson, and wind June: 9 July: 5 August: 67 September: 4 Total: 85 Exact number unknown - number believed to be several dozen people. 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 finally 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.http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=833946&lngDtrID=244 el:Αλλος ένας νεκρός από τις καταστροφικές πυρκαγιές του Αυγούστου el 2007-09-21 2007-09-21 Athens News Agency in.gr https://web.archive.org/web/20070929100921/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=833946&lngDtrID=244 29 September 2007 dead In total 85 people lost their lives because of the fires, including several fire fighters. Some of these firestorms are believed to be the result of arson while others were merely the result of negligence. Hot temperatures, including three consecutive heat waves of over 40 °C °F on,http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/25/news/hot.php Hints of relief in European heat wave, but more flooding in Britain 2007-07-25 2007-08-26 International Herald Tribune Associated Press and severe drought rendered the 2007 summer unprecedented in modern Greek history.http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/26/europe/26greece.php Greece declares emergency as forest fires rage Carassava Anthee 2007-08-25 2007-08-26 International Herald Tribune Associated Press https://web.archive.org/web/20070829074318/http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/26/europe/26greece.php 29 August 2007 live 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 km2 acre off us of forest, olive groves and farmland were destroyed in the fires, which was the worst fire season on record in the past 50 years.Greek government calls for faster action on replanting of burnt forests 2007-10-23 Associated Press International Herald Tribunehttp://www.panda.org/news_facts/newsroom/index.cfm?uNewsID=114400 Greek forests severely damaged by summer fires 2007-09-27 2007-10-13 World Wide Fund for Nature panda.org https://web.archive.org/web/20071017045458/http://panda.org/news_facts/newsroom/index.cfm?uNewsID=114400 17 October 2007 dead Of the total of 2,700 km2, 1,500 km2 acre on were burnt forests in Southern Greece alone which meant that 4% of Greece's total forest area burnt in 2007 alone.Greece Forest area, 1960-2020 - knoema.com https://knoema.com//atlas/Greece/topics/Land-Use/Area/Forest-area 2021-08-10 Knoema en-US Many buildings were also destroyed in the blaze. The fire destroyed 1,000 houses and 1,100 other buildings, and damaged hundreds more. Timeline June thumb|left|View of the Parnitha National Park fire from north Athens The first major fire of the summer of 2007 was started on 28 June 2007.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6252676.stm Greek forest fire close to Athens 2007-11-22 2007-06-29 BBC News 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 15723 acre km2 1 onel:Συνέντευξη Τύπου Γ. Σουφλιά για την Πάρνηθα Hellenic Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning, & Public Works 2007-07-18 http://www.minenv.gr/download/2007-07-18.sinenteksi.typoy.Parnitha.doc .doc el 2008-01-15 Συνολική καμένη έκταση πυρήνα Εθνικού Δρυμού Πάρνηθας: 15.723 (Σύνολο 38.000) https://web.archive.org/web/20080216035359/http://www.minenv.gr/download/2007-07-18.sinenteksi.typoy.Parnitha.doc 16 February 2008 dead of the core of the national forest in a matter of days. Overall, the mountain of Parnitha suffered a burnt area of 38000 acre km2 1 on, making it one of the worst recorded wildfires in Attica since the Penteli fire of July 1995.http://uk.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUKL2992093420070629 https://web.archive.org/web/20201017043544/https://uk.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUKL2992093420070629 dead 17 October 2020 Raging forest fires rain ash on Athens 2007-06-29 2007-11-22 Hatzidakis George Reuters 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, another wildfire 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.https://www.theguardian.com/worldlatest/story/0,,-6775792,00.html Fire Scorches Greek Tourist Island 2007-07-12 2008-01-28 Ross John F.L. Associated Press The Guardian London https://web.archive.org/web/20070717020050/http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0%2C%2C-6775792%2C00.html 17 July 2007 dead More than 100 fires were reported by 15 July 2007, in such locations as Kerateahttp://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/15/europe/EU-GEN-Greece-Wildfires.php Strong winds fan fires across Greece Associated Press International Herald Tribune 2007-07-15 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 20 July 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 partially 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.http://www.egio.gr/fvties.html el:ΑΙΓΙΟ: ΔΡΑΜΑΤΙΚΕΣ ΣΤΙΓΜΕΣ el egio.gr https://web.archive.org/web/20071017041317/http://www.egio.gr/fvties.html 17 October 2007 dead August thumb|right|Forest fire in the suburbs of Athens on 16 July Fires continued, on 17 August 2007 they started to burn on the outskirts of Athens.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6950662.stm Forest fire grips Athens suburbs 2007-08-17 2007-11-21 BBC News news.bbc.co.uk The fire started on Mt. Penteli began 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 24 August 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, more than 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.http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-greece26aug26,1,1261594.story?coll=la-news-a_section Fires in Greece spread, multiply 2007-08-26 2007-08-26 Associated Press Los Angeles Times https://web.archive.org/web/20190821221638/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-aug-26-fg-greece26-story.html 21 August 2019 dead Multiple countries responded to the call and sent help. Additionally, 500 Greek soldiers were sent in the affected areas.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6963964.stm Fires prompt Greek National Alert BBC News news.bbc.co.uk 2007-08-25 2007-08-25 Another 500 Greek soldiers were called up bringing the total to 1,000 military personnel involved in the fire fighting. On 25 August 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.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6963373.stm Death toll mounts in Greek fires 2007-08-25 2007-08-25 BBC News news.bbc.co.uk Two fires broke out in Keratea and one in Markopoulo Mesogaias in East Attica on 25 August 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 12 km mi 0 and a man was hospitalised with second degree burns. The fire at Lagonissi was reported as an accident, as they were started when a man accidentally set fire to a tree in his garden.http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=826554&lngDtrID=244 el:Πύρινος εφιάλτης στην Αττική με πυρκαγιές στα Καλύβια και τον Υμηττό 2007-08-26 2007-11-21 Athens News Agency in.gr el The fires at Olympia thumb|140px|Smoke seen from the Acropolis, Athens. Olympia, site of the ancient Olympics and World Heritage Site, was evacuated on 26 August 2007.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6964345.stm Greek fires threaten ancient city. 2007-08-26 2007-08-26 BBC World TV and online BBC 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.http://ca.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2007-08-26T174128Z_01_L25430623_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-GREECE-FIRES-COL.XML Reuters Canada Greek fires kill 56 and lick ancient Olympia 2007-08-26 2007-08-26 Triandafyllou Vassilis https://web.archive.org/web/20071017132450/http://ca.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2007-08-26T174128Z_01_L25430623_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-GREECE-FIRES-COL.XML 17 October 2007 dead According to the official statement of former Minister of Culture Georgios Voulgarakis, no serious damage was caused to the antiquities.http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/26/europe/EU-GEN-Greece-Fires.php Fires rage across Greece Associated Press International Herald Tribune 2007-08-25 2007-08-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20070828205909/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/26/europe/EU-GEN-Greece-Fires.php 28 August 2007 live The fire burnt all the trees on the hilltop above, and an area of brush and open space adjacent to the Olympic Academy.http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/aug2007/2007-08-27-01.asp Greek Fires Blamed on Arson, Olympic Antiquities Saved 2007-08-27 2007-08-28 Environment News Service ens-newswire.com https://web.archive.org/web/20070930201102/http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/aug2007/2007-08-27-01.asp 30 September 2007 live 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 26 August, that the afflicted damage is of greater importance and scale;http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_civ_553393_29/08/2007_239167 Ministry of Culture admits existence of damages in Olympia. 2007-08-29 2007-08-29 Kathimerini https://web.archive.org/web/20070930035628/http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_civ_553393_29/08/2007_239167 30 September 2007 dead the sacred Hill of Kronos was totally burnt during the blaze.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7121695.stm Greek lives scarred by inferno Polyzoidis Panos 2007-12-03 2007-12-19 BBC News news.bbc.co.uk https://web.archive.org/web/20071216003732/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7121695.stm 16 December 2007 livehttp://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/25/europe/EU-GEN-Greece-Ancient-Olympia.php Greek authorities to start replanting Ancient Olympia's fire-ravaged forests 2007-10-25 2007-11-21 Associated Press International Herald Tribune 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. September The fires continued to burn into early September. On 1 September 2007, firefighters were still suppressing a strong blaze in Peloponnese.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6974577.stm BBC News news.bbc.co.uk Europe backs fire-stricken Greece 2007-09-04 2007-09-01 Three blazes remained, with the fires destructive path continuing in Arcadia and Mt. Parnon in Laconia. Then, on 3 September 2007 a lightning strike started a new fire on Mt. Vermion, which was soon brought under control by firefighters.http://www.pliroforiodotis.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=813&Itemid=1 pliroforiodotis.gr News pliroforiodotis.gr el:Υπό πλήρη έλεγχο η φωτιά στο Βέρμιο 2007-09-03 2007-09-03 el https://web.archive.org/web/20070929035711/http://www.pliroforiodotis.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=813&Itemid=1 2007-09-29 On 5 September the death toll reached 67,http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=829262&lngDtrID=244 in.gr News in.gr el:Αυξήθηκε ο αριθμός των θυμάτων από τις πυρκαγιές 2007-09-05 2007-09-05 el https://web.archive.org/web/20070910064850/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=829262&lngDtrID=244 10 September 2007 live and on 21 September reached 68. International assistance thumb|A Beriev Be-200 operating in Athens. 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:http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=56129&sectionId=46 Countries Send Firefighters, Aircraft to Help Greeks 2007-08-27 2007-08-27 Associated Press Firehouse.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070928025117/http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=56129&sectionId=46 28 September 2007 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.http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/story/4029758p-4640787c.html Manitoba offers water bombers to Greece 2007-08-28 2007-08-28 Winnipeg Free Press https://web.archive.org/web/20070927194213/http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/story/4029758p-4640787c.html 2007-09-27 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.http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Finland+offers+helicopters+firemen+and+experts+to+fight+Greek+forest+fires+/1135229835383 Finland offers helicopters, firemen and experts to fight Greek forest fires Helsingin Sanomat 2007-08-28 2007-08-29 30 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070930055936/http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Finland%20offers%20helicopters%20firemen%20and%20experts%20to%20fight%20Greek%20forest%20fires%20/1135229835383 dead (Declined as the equipment was not suitable - Finland assisted in reconstruction instead.) France – Four Canadair CL-415 water bombers, 60 firefighters who specialize in helicopter operations, six firefighting vehicles.http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article2331071.ece https://archive.today/20080726124629/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article2331071.ece dead 26 July 2008 51 dead as Greek forest fires rage on 2007-08-26 2007-08-26 The Times London Philippe Naughton 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.http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1188128148356&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull Israel to send Greece 25 firefighters with full equipment 2007-08-26 2007-08-27 The Jerusalem Post Jonathan Beck dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110718002033/http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1188128148356&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull 18 July 2011 Italy – One Canadair CL-415 water-tanker plane. Netherlands – Three Eurocopter AS 532 firefighting helicopters and 27 crew members. Norway – One Bell 214 firefighting helicopter.http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article1958352.ece Norwegian helicopter on the way 2007-08-27 2007-08-27 aftenposten.no dead https://web.archive.org/web/20071017051237/http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article1958352.ece 17 October 2007 Portugal – One Canadair CL-215 water bomber 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. Serbia – Six M-18 Dromader and one Antonov An-2 firefighting planes, 6 firefighting all-terrain vehicles and 55 firefighters. The army was on alert for deployment to assist. City of Novi Sad sent a team of 11 firefighters.http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2007&mm=08&dd=28&nav_category=90&nav_id=43337 Serbia sends seven planes to Greece 2007-08-28 2007-08-28 B92 https://web.archive.org/web/20070929122815/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2007&mm=08&dd=28&nav_category=90&nav_id=43337 29 September 2007 deadhttp://www.srbija.gov.rs/vesti/vest.php?id=37824 https://web.archive.org/web/20170815101949/http://www.srbija.gov.rs/vesti/vest.php?id=37824 dead 2017-08-15 Serbian Interior Ministry sends firefighting squad to Greece 2007-08-31 2007-09-01 Government of Serbia http://www.dnevnik.rs/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=28349 Novosadski vatrogasci gase požare u Grčkoj 2007-08-31 2007-09-05 Dnevnik (Novi Sad) September 2010 H3llBot Slovenia – One water-carrying helicopter.http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,2752324,00.html EU Sends Help to Fight Raging Fires in Greece 2007-08-26 2007-08-26 DW-World dw-world.de https://web.archive.org/web/20070829101234/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0%2C2144%2C2752324%2C00.html 29 August 2007 live Spain – Two Canadair CL-215 water bombers.http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=443352dc-be11-4c1e-9621-a52b09caa70e Greece declares state of emergency 2007-08-25 2007-08-26 Canada.com Agence France-Presse dead https://web.archive.org/web/20071017052520/http://canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=443352dc-be11-4c1e-9621-a52b09caa70e 17 October 2007 Sweden – One Bell-205 firefighting helicopter.http://sydsvenskan.se/varlden/article261717.ece Svensk hjälp på plats i Grekland 2007-08-27 2007-08-27 Sydsvenskan sv dead https://web.archive.org/web/20071017055052/http://sydsvenskan.se/varlden/article261717.ece 17 October 2007 Switzerland – Four Eurocopter Super Puma water-carrying helicopters. Turkey – One Canadair CL-215 water bomber.http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=191190 Turkey sends fire-fighting plane to Greece 2007-08-27 2007-08-27 Turkish Press.com https://web.archive.org/web/20070927224841/http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=191190 27 September 2007 dead List of affected areas thumb|200px|Rapidfire – NASA image taken on 22 August, before the firesthumb|200px|Rapidfire – NASA image of the fires, taken on 23 Augustthumb|200px|Rapidfire – NASA image of the fires, taken on 24 Augustthumb|200px|Rapidfire – NASA image of the fires, taken on 25 Augustthumb|200px|Rapidfire – NASA image of the fires, taken on 26 August August 2008 Achaea Aigio Diakopto Akrata Leontio Kalavryta Kallithea, Achaea Patras Aetolia-Acarnania Astakos Palaiochoraki Nafpaktias Aegean Islands Skiathoshttp://www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/16/news/greece.php As forest fires burn, suffocated Athens is outraged Niki Kitsantonis 2007-07-16 2008-02-03 International Herald Tribune Lesbos Crete Arcadia Anemodouri Leontari Akovos Veligosti Mallota Manthyrea Attica Athens Grammatiko Mt. Parnithahttp://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5ho4R6U6QfmZNZZlFF4a4lWyihAxQ 2008-01-14 2008-01-17 Greek volunteers replant fire-ravaged forest Agence France-Presse dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110520115421/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5ho4R6U6QfmZNZZlFF4a4lWyihAxQ 20 May 2011 Mt. Imittos Mt. Penteli Keratea Lagonissi Corinthia Chiliomodi Sofiko Mapsos East Attica Kalyvia Thorikou Elishttp://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9718557 Fighting Greek fire 2007-08-29 2007-12-19 The Economist Ampelona Ancient Olympia Andritsaina Chelidonio Dafnoula Figaleia Giannitsochori Koliri Oleni Pelopio Pineia Skillounta Zacharo Euboea Aliveri Amarynthos Marmari Styra Imathia Vermion Mountains Laconia Areopoli Skala Krokees Geraki Gerolimenas Oitylo Messenia Kalamata Filiatra Meligalas Pylos Aetos, Messenia Christianous Gargalianoi Phthiotis Leianokladi Aftermath Causes and arson arrests 35% right "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." Vyron PolydorasGreece offers big rewards for tracking down arsonists http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/greece-offers-big-rewards-for-tracking-down-arsonists/2007/08/27/1188067034646.html 2007-08-28 2007-08-27 Reuters, Australian Associated Press Vassilis Triandafyllou http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22313504-23109,00.html Greece offers $1.36 m reward for arsonists 2007-08-27 2007-08-27 Reuters news.com.au dead https://web.archive.org/web/20071017054053/http://www.news.com.au/story/0%2C23599%2C22313504-23109%2C00.html 17 October 2007 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.http://news.pathfinder.gr/greece/politics/423069.html el:Ασύμμετρη απειλή 2007-08-26 2007-08-26 ERT Pathfinder el dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070828075408/http://news.pathfinder.gr/greece/politics/423069.html 28 August 2007 While some fires are believed to have been caused by environmental factors, others clearly were not. The fires could have been deliberately started 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.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6964519.stm Inside the mind of the fire starter Wilson Sam 2007-08-26 2007-11-21 BBC News news.bbc.co.ukhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6965078.stm Greek forest fires reward offered 2007-08-27 BBC 5 September 2007 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 had been detained on suspicion of arson. Greek government press minister Theodoros Roussopoulos confirmed on 27 August that 61 people had been arrested on suspicion of involvement in arson, seven of these being retained in custody. On 27 August 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.http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_28/08/2007_87183 Fires wreak destruction in Greece for a fourth day 2007-08-28 2007-08-28 ekathimerini https://web.archive.org/web/20070830134139/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_28/08/2007_87183 30 August 2007 live 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.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/outrage-in-greece-over-secret-plan-to-develop-land-in-region-ravaged-by-fires-402815.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/outrage-in-greece-over-secret-plan-to-develop-land-in-region-ravaged-by-fires-402815.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Outrage in Greece over secret plan to develop land in region ravaged by fires 2007-09-19 2007-11-30 Elinda Labropoulou The Independent London Consequences thumb|View of Parnitha a month after the major fires. On 25 August, Super League Greece and the Hellenic Football Federation decided to postpone the opening fixtures scheduled for that weekend due to the fires.http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=574997.html https://web.archive.org/web/20071011045833/http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=574997.html dead 11 October 2007 Greek season start postponed UEFA 2007-08-25 2007-08-25 Campaigning for the country's forthcoming general election was suspended for a short period of time. The vote was not postponed since this is not allowed under the current Constitution.http://www.vouli.gr/politeuma/syntagmaDetails.asp?ArthroID=43 ΜΕΡΟΣ TPITO – Oργάνωση και λειτουργίες της Πολιτείας 2007-08-26 Hellenic Government Parliament.gr el https://web.archive.org/web/20070927183743/http://www.vouli.gr/politeuma/syntagmaDetails.asp?ArthroID=43 27 September 2007 dead 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 euros in immediate damages.http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=827071 el:Ξεπερνά το 1,5 δισ. ευρώ το κόστος των ζημιών από τις πυρκαγιές el 2007-08-28 2007-08-30 Athens New Agency https://web.archive.org/web/20070831051716/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=827071 31 August 2007 live That amount has now risen to 2 billion euros ($2.9 billion).https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=ax1IYpsKfGmQ&refer=europe Greek August Wildfire Damage Seen at EU2 Billion, Minister Says Papachristou Harry 2007-10-29 2007-11-21 Bloomberg Bloomberg L.P. 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 euros or more.- Stockwatch http://www.stockwatch.com.cy/nqcontent.cfm?a_name=news_view&ann_id=74961 el:Στα 5 δισ. ευρώ οι ζημιές el 2007-08-29 2007-08-30 Imerisia.gr stockwatch.com.cy https://web.archive.org/web/20071010205944/http://www.stockwatch.com.cy/nqcontent.cfm?a_name=news_view&ann_id=74961 10 October 2007 live The status of Olympia for the 2008 Summer Olympics flame-lighting ceremony is threatening to undermine the whole ceremony.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/more/01/17/beijing.torch.ap/ Beijing torch ceremony in peril 2008-01-17 2008-01-17 Associated Press Sports IllustratedSeptember 2024 medicmedic 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 suffered financially due to the fires.http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=827236&lngDtrID=244 el:Κινητοποίηση οργανισμών, επιχειρήσεων και πολιτών για ενίσχυση των πυροπαθών 2007-08-28 2007-08-29 Athens News Agency in.gr el 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 Ihelp.gr 2007-10-31 2009-01-06 https://web.archive.org/web/20090125061346/http://www.ihelp.gr/ 25 January 2009 live Additionally, financial aid from the EU is expected.http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=827959&lngDtrID=244 el:Αξιοποίηση του Ταμείου Αλληλεγγύης της ΕΕ για τους πυρόπληκτους υπόσχεται η Ντ.Χούμπνερ el 2007-08-31 2007-09-01 Athens News Agency in.gr https://web.archive.org/web/20070903015740/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=827959&lngDtrID=244 3 September 2007 live 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.http://web.ana-mpa.gr/anafrench/articleview2.php?id=26465 https://web.archive.org/web/20070927215559/http://web.ana-mpa.gr/anafrench/articleview2.php?id=26465 dead 2007-09-27 Des Turcs de la municipalite Altinoluk offrent 20.000 plants d'oliviers web.ana-mpa.gr Athens News Agency 2007-09-02 2007-09-06 fr The Greek Government plans to spend 645.7 million euros ($946.7 million) to restore and rehabilitate areas burnt by the fires.Gov't unveils master plan to restore areas ravaged by summer forest fires Associated Press 2007-11-19 PR-Inside.com 2007-11-21 http://www.pr-inside.com/gov-t-unveils-master-plan-to-restore-r308136.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110728143214/http://www.pr-inside.com/gov-t-unveils-master-plan-to-restore-r308136.htm 28 July 2011 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 rapid nature of the response given in the form of a direct aid scheme free of red tape led to official claims in reverse a year after the calamity, as it has been the case for the residents of Ileia who were notified to return the aid payments.http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100011_21/10/2008_101493 Thousands to return fire aid 2008-10-21 2008-10-21 Ekathimerini ekathimerini.com Opposition parties, in the meantime, accused the government of using the scheme to "buy" the votes of locals in the weeks before the Greek legislative election, 2007. The Cypriot Government along with J&P ABAX have pledged to rebuild the town of Artemida.http://www.financialmirror.com/more_news.php?id=9545&type=st&nt=Business J&P ΑΒΑΧ to rebuild Artemida on account of Cyprus 2008-01-10 2008-01-17 Financial Mirror finalcialmirror.com September 2010 H3llBot They have currently signed an 8.5 million euro contract,http://www.hemscott.com/news/latest-news/item.do?newsId=57266947177641 Greece's J&P Avax signs 8.68 mln eur deal with Cyprus for restoration project 2008-01-15 2008-01-17 Euro2day.gr/Newswire 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 20 February 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 the previous summer.http://www.uefa.com/uefa/keytopics/kind=64/newsid=661039.html UEFA helps Greece rebuild after fires 2008-02-20 2008-02-20 UEFA Grigorios Biskos https://web.archive.org/web/20080223212731/http://www.uefa.com/uefa/keytopics/kind%3D64/newsid%3D661039.html 23 February 2008 dead The European Union has proposed 89.7 million euros in aid to Greece to offset part of the cost of the 2007 forest fires.http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90856/6389101.html EU proposes 89.7 mln euros in aid for Greek forest fires 2008-04-09 2008-05-08 Xinhua News Agency People's Daily Online https://web.archive.org/web/20080621124842/http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90856/6389101.html 21 June 2008 live 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.http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jlBzKURAXe5fJ9LxWDbirnf4fD-g European firefighters in joint bid to tackle forest fires 2008-04-16 2008-05-08 Agence France-Presse dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110520132936/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jlBzKURAXe5fJ9LxWDbirnf4fD-g 20 May 2011 Reforestation thumb|The Hill of Kronos in May 2008. 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, Achaea, Elis, Corinthia, Laconia, Messenia, and Euboea. 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. See also List of wildfires 2009 Greek forest fires 2018 Greek forest fires 2021 Greek forest fires 2021 Turkish forest fires 2007 Croatian coast fires 2007 European heat wave October 2007 California wildfires References External links Greece on fire, death toll exceeds 60 Stabilized forest fires in Greece intensify again; 2 arrested Forest fires burn on in Greece; death toll nears 50 Greeceinflames.org - Resource website for the 2007 fires in Greece Info on Relief Funds - DailyFrappe ihelp.gr https://web.archive.org/web/20201017043543/http://www.ihelp.gr/Default.aspx 17 October 2020 Wildfire photos in Varvasaina, Pyrgos, Greece Category:2007 in Greece Category:Arson in Greece Category:Wildfires caused by arson Category:2007 wildfires Category:Firefighting in Greece Category:June 2007 in Greece Category:July 2007 in Greece Category:August 2007 in Greece Category:September 2007 in Europe Category:Wildfires in Greece Category:2007 disasters in Greece Category:Arson in 2007