The Greek Forest Firefighting Unit participated in two firefighting operations on the very first day of its deployment in southern France, as part of the Pre-positioning Program of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), demonstrating its operational readiness and close cooperation with French firefighting forces.
The Greek team’s first operation took place on Wednesday (1/7), when the Greek Motorized Unit was called in to assist with the suppression of a wildfire in the Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone area of the Hérault department. Greek firefighters worked alongside approximately 150 French firefighters, contributing to the containment of the blaze. During the operation, horses were evacuated and agricultural facilities were protected.
Greek forest firefighting unit mobilized again amid threat of fire spreading near Béziers
The Greek team was mobilized once again on Thursday (2/7), this time to respond to a wildfire that broke out near the city of Béziers. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of Greek and French forces, the fire was swiftly brought under full control, limiting the risk of it spreading further.
The immediate operational deployment of the Greek team by French authorities, and its involvement in two consecutive firefighting operations, highlights the high level of training, preparedness, and operational capability of the Hellenic Fire Service personnel. It also confirms the critical role of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in enabling mutual assistance and cooperation between member states during the wildfire season.
The Greek Motorized Forest Firefighting Unit is staffed by 21 firefighters from the 2nd and 6th Special Forest Operations Units (E.MO.D.E.) and will remain in southern France until July 15, 2026, as part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism’s Pre-positioning Program.
