Since September 2026, Thasos is receiving a fire early detection system. The system will be integrated with the fire department and will help to immediately detect the fire and respond while it is in its earliest stage. The Greeks have started with the protection of archaeological and cultural monuments. We hope that this system will prove to be beneficial and expand, and we applaud the fact that they have started by protecting the cultural and historical treasures of their people and the whole world.
This involves the use of cameras that record optical and thermal changes. The most important part is that the cameras will immediately detect and report the fire. The cameras rotate a full circle (360 degrees) to provide a clear visual image as well as a thermal display that captures temperature areas - the main focal points within the fire.
The cameras will not function independently but will be integrated into the fire protection system.
Near the sites, firefighting equipment will be installed so that fire departments can react as early as possible and prevent the minimal spread of fires, which, in combination with the wind, ravage Greece and other countries every summer.
A Successful Example of Early Warning System Implementation
At the end of July 2026, in the village of Fihitija (Agrolida) where the system was previously installed, a fire was detected within a few seconds and localized with a swift reaction. As it has proven to be effective, Greece has started to expand this network of early detection and reporting.
Locations Where the Early Detection Camera System Has Already Been Installed
For now, this system has already been installed in 8 places of special cultural and historical significance:
- Mistra (medieval town), Epidaurus, Mycenae, Dion, Platamon Fortress, Temple of Aphaia on Aegina, Peristeria in Messinia, Ancient Olympia.
By the end of August, they will be installed at:
- Acropolis, Palace of Nestor, Nicopolis, Monastery of Hosios Loukas, and Phaistos in Crete.
In September, they will be installed at:
- Thasos, Samothrace, Mount Athos, Delphi, Knossos, Tatoi, Sounion (Lavreotiki region), and Dodona.
Regarding the fires that occurred this year (summer 2026), we have written about them in this article:
It is important to note that since the beginning of the year, about a thousand arrests have been made of those who set fire, from individuals to company directors and mayors.
New Devastating Phenomenon - Social Media Challenge
Unfortunately, a new phenomenon has been discovered - a challenge that circulates on social media among younger minors. The challenge involves setting fire in the forest. In Greece, three minors were caught and filmed setting fire in the forest and recording their attempts.
We sincerely welcome all collaborative actions of services and communities both in Greece and in other regions. We must not overlook the fact that every year the number of fires in Serbia and the entire region is increasing. We all must get involved and do everything in our power to have safer summers and preserve forests, human lives, animal lives, and the natural environment without which we would not exist.
Foto credit: By Meltedrainbow - Own work, Public Domain
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