NPF Desmos, WWF Greece, and HIGGS continue to stand by the country’s volunteer forest firefighter teams, equipping them with the necessary tools to ensure safe and effective operation on the front line of fire protection.

Volunteer forest firefighter teams are often the first to respond to wildfires, playing a vital role in supporting the work of the Hellenic Fire Service and Civil Protection authorities. To sustain their invaluable contribution, it is essential that they are properly equipped to operate safely and efficiently.

The "Support Programme for Volunteer Forest Firefighter Teams 2024–2026" is implemented by Desmos in collaboration with WWF Greece and HIGGS (Higher Incubator Giving Growth & Sustainability), with the aim of strengthening volunteer teams across Greece through the provision of specialised firefighting equipment and targeted training. The Programme is implemented within the framework of "Protovoulia '21" and is supported by the National Bank of Greece, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation and the Athina I. Martinou Foundation.

10 teams selected in November 2024 are already receiving high-standard firefighting equipment, while an additional 20 teams have now been selected to benefit from the Programme.

Selection process based on multiple criteria

WWF Greece, following a proven methodology, assessed the needs of local teams through questionnaires, interviews, and on-site visits, ultimately developing a tailored support plan for each area.

Based on predefined evaluation criteria, the following 20 teams were selected in March 2025 to receive support:

Attica:

• Volunteer Forest Protection of Attica – E.DASA
• Volunteer Firefighting and Rescue Team of Ekali
• Forest and Natural Environment Protection Centre of Vyronas
• Volunteer Civil Protection Association of Agios Stefanos
• Hellenic Rescue Team – Attica Branch
• Volunteer Forest Firefighting Team of Ilioupoli
• Afidnes Volunteer Forest Protection Association
• Volunteer Forces for Forest Firefighting & Rescue – Rodopoli

Thessaloniki: Civil Protection Volunteers of the Municipality of Thermi

Ikaria: Volunteer Firefighting Association of Agios Kirykos, Ikaria

Kalamata: Hellenic Rescue Team – Messinia Branch

Kastoria: Volunteer Disaster Response Unit of Kastoria – E.T.A.K.

Corfu: Special Unit for Rescue and Research – Corfu

Corinthia: 

• Forest Fire Protection Association of Loutraki – Perachora
• Forest Protection Association "Kyllinios Adonis" – Xylokastro

Kos: Hellenic Rescue Team – Northern Dodecanese Branch

Mani: GAIA – Environmental and Cultural Volunteer Association of Western Mani

Rhodes:

• Cultural Association of Salakos “To Spilaio” – E.TH.OM.A.K. Salakou
• Citizen Radio Frequency Association of the Dodecanese “O Kolossos” – EOPK CB Dodecanese

Florina: Special Forces Club of Florina

Further teams will be evaluated and supported with equipment over the course of the Programme.

At the same time, 130 members of foot patrol volunteer teams from Chios, Komotini, Kavala, Evros, Crete and Evia have actively participated in hands-on training workshops that combine theory with practical field exercises. Strengthening their operational capacity is expected to further enhance their critical role in containing and managing the perimeter of wildfires.

Moreover, more than 370 volunteer firefighters, civil society representatives and public officials involved in wildfire management have participated in online workshops focused on prevention planning, tailored to the specific needs of each region. This knowledge transfer aims to strengthen community preparedness and promote a deeper understanding of the importance of wildfire prevention.

This new cycle of support builds on the results of the Programme's first phase (2022–2024), which enabled nearly 2,000 volunteers to receive high-standard firefighting equipment and provided training to approximately 500 volunteers on wildfire preparedness and response.

Volunteer firefighter teams are an integral part of the national wildfire prevention and response system and a vital force within Civil Society. By strengthening volunteer forest firefighters, we ensure their continued, coordinated, and safe contribution to the protection of our forests and the support of local communities in the face of wildfires.