2009 Public Statements
U.S. and Greek Fire Service Cooperation
September 11, 2009
The US Fire Service (USFS), with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is engaged in a 3-year cooperative effort with the Government of Greece (GoG) to exchange information and technical expertise in wildfire management which began after the severe 2007 wildfire season. The $2.1 million program has included training in the following areas:
• US-based aerial supervision and ground crew training
o Aerial Supervision: USFS hosted two specialists from the Hellenic Fire Service (HFS) and two Hellenic Air Force (HAF) pilots in California to attend a 2-week Air Attack Group Supervisor (S-378) course, followed by two weeks of practical training in aerial supervision techniques for fighting wildfires.
o Grounds Crew Training: USFS hosted four HFS specialists in California for eight weeks of training in grounds crew operations for wildland fire suppression.
• Wildland fire investigation and fire prevention training
o USFS fire investigation and prevention specialists worked with HFS to adapt and conduct a one-week training course for Greek officials from HFS, DPF, and the General Secretariate for Civil Protection (GSCP) on arson origin and cause investigation and fire prevention techniques.
• Athens Summit and signing of USFS-HFS cooperative agreement
A USFS team met with partners from the GOG to determine next steps for cooperation.
• International Seminar on Forest Administration and Management
o USFS sponsored two personnel from DPF to participate in an International Seminar on Forest Administration and Management.
• Fire Prevention Study Tour
o USFS hosted a 6-person interagency delegation (HFS, DPF, and GSCP) from Greece in Florida for a 10-day study tour on various aspects of fire prevention and education.
o Seminar on Watershed Management
o USFS sponsored two personnel from DPF for an International Seminar on Watershed Management in Arizona.
• Fire Management Study Tour by HFS Leadership
o USFS hosted HFS Chief for one week in Washington, DC and California to observe and discuss approaches to fire management in the U.S.
Opportunities for Additional Collaboration: Embassy and USFS are working with various agencies within the GoG to determine priority next steps within the context of our cooperative program. Potential programs include assessing needs following the August 2009 fires and additional training in the U.S. and here in Greece.