FIRES IN GREECE: AUGUST 26 SITREP

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ATHENS 001560 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE PASS U.S. FOREST SERVICE STATE PASS TO USAID/OFDA STATE PASS FEMA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR EAID PREL SENV SOCI GR SUBJECT: FIRES IN GREECE: AUGUST 26 SITREP REF: ) 09 ATHENS 1544 -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Wildfires in towns north of Athens subsided on 25 August after four days of destruction. No casualties were reported, but press reports indicate about 50,000 acres of land had been burnt and 50 homes destroyed. Following an "emergency" cabinet meeting on August 25, the Government of Greece (GoG) announced measures to help those affected by the fires. Local press and NGOs continued to criticize the Greek Government's overall response and coordination, noting both were particularly disappointing in light of investments made in Greece's fire response system following the devastating wildfires in 2007. As the fires abated, press and other commentators began to adjust their focus to the environmental impact, saying the region now faces a greater future risk of flooding and landslides because of the depletion of foliage. On the foreign assistance front, the GoG thanked France, Italy, Austria, Cyprus, and Turkey for their water-drop aircraft, but according to press reports rejected a similar offer of support from Russia. In a phone call to the Ambassador on 25 August, the Minister of Interior thanked the U.S. for its offer of support, but declined it, indicating the assistance was not needed. The Ambassador plans to visit to the affected region early next week, and Post will continue to explore other ways to assist the Greek effort to contain future destructive wildfires. -------------- FIRES CONSUME 50,000 ACRES, 50 HOMES; GREEK GOVERNMENT CLAIMS IT WILL COMPENSATE -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Following an August 25 Cabinet meeting, Environment Minister George Souflias said the government would adopt measures to help those affected by the fires on the model of what was done after the 2007 wildfires. At that time the GoG established a fund, primarily based on donations, to provide financial relief to fire victims. According to press reporting, the GoG has about 60 million Euros remaining from an initial 205 million two years ago. Observers have said the remaining 60 million probably will go toward the reconstruction of homes that were completely destroyed in the recent fires. Government estimates from press reports have indicated as many as 150 homes have been destroyed, but recent press indicates the number probably is less than 50. The same press reporting indicates the Economy and Finance Ministry may attempt to help affected businesses by delaying their tax commitments. ¶3. (SBU) Government officials, including Souflias, have pledged to replenish the forests, according to press reports. Such promises almost certainly are intended to address public concerns of illegal housing development. Environmental organizations have long criticized the GoG's lack of enforcement of its own zoning laws, especially when new construction appears on previously burned forest land. -------------- CRITICS SKEPTICAL OF GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE AND PROMISES -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Local press harshly criticized the GoG effort, with the most extreme voices directly blaming the GoG for the fires as part of a plan to eventually allow developers to build on the newly cleared land. Environmental groups alleged the government had learned nothing from the 2007 fires and failed to respond quickly enough. Additionally, press reports indicate the public continues to be skeptical of GoG promises on replenishing the forests, after a lackluster effort in 2007. -------------- GREECE ACCEPTED EUROPEAN, TURKISH AID -------------- ¶5. (SBU) French and Italian water-dropping planes contributed to the Greek firefighting effort early in the weekend when the wildfires began to spread. Cypriot and Austrian helicopters also were part of the air team used to extinguish the flames. Press reports indicated Russia was ready to send two planes as well; however, the GoG allegedly declined help from Moscow. -------------- EMBASSY OUTREACH PLANNED -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Post has planned a visit by the Ambassador to the affected region to see the damage firsthand. Although the GoG did not accept a recent offer of a U.S. ground firefighting unit from Souda Bay, Post ATHENS 00001560 002 OF 002 will continue to look for appropriate ways to support the GoG's recovery and fire response efforts. Greek firefighting units received several weeks training in California with the US Forest Service in the spring of 2008 and 2009, including ground crew operations and aerial supervision. SPECKHARD