Manolis Volos, Regional Councilor of the South Aegean, visited the Volunteer Fire Station of Kalymnos on January 19, 2026, where he met with Commander Theodoros Kytidis and Deputy Commander Leonidas Magklaras. The meeting focused on persistent operational challenges:
- The failure to upgrade the station to a full Firefighting Unit has left it severely understaffed, with only 3 personnel in winter and 9 during summer, despite the fact that emergency incidents on the island do not decrease in winter.
- The absence of permanent specialized staff undermines public safety and limits effective response to incidents, especially considering the island’s appeal to hikers, climbers, and tourists.
- Without an official unit status, leadership continuity is affected, as higher-ranked officers are rotated out due to promotions.
- The narrow streets in Pothia and Chorio necessitate the acquisition of a small fire vehicle capable of accessing difficult areas where large trucks cannot pass.
The discussion emphasized that a well-organized and adequately staffed fire service is essential for protecting both the residents and the tourism industry of Kalymnos. Manolis Volos stressed the urgent need to upgrade the Volunteer Station into an official Firefighting Unit, urging authorities to act without delay.
