Greek Minister of State Akis Skertsos said in a social media post that firefighters, pilots, civil protection professionals and state officials fought recent wildfires with all their strength to save citizens' lives, property and forests, some sacrificing their own lives for public safety.
Skertsos said no civilian lives were lost, but the country grieves for the firefighters and pilots who died. He said these heroes deserve respect and gratitude for putting the collective good before themselves, and that they inspire and move the public deeply.
Warning on future risk
Skertsos said only a state that cares for, prevents and protects human life can continually reduce the risk of repeating national tragedies like the one in Mati. He offered condolences to the Fire Service and to the families of every firefighter and aircraft operator lost the previous week.
Skertsos said the greatest honor to their memory is never stopping investment in prevention, training, people and civil protection resources, adding that the climate crisis makes every summer harder and that Greece's responsibility is to improve each year.
