SYRIZA-PS Calls for Immediate Government Action
The deaths of two firefighters while battling a major wildfire in Krya Vrysi, Rethymno, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, have plunged the Fire Service and the entire country into mourning.
The two firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty while taking part in the difficult operation to contain the rural and forest fire. In an official statement, the Hellenic Fire Service described it as an “extremely difficult day” and expressed its profound sorrow and sincere condolences to their families and loved ones.
In a statement, the Press Office of SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, arguing that the incident had brought the serious problems confronting the Fire Service to the surface in the most dramatic manner.
“The repeated protests of firefighters’ unions have not been heard,” SYRIZA-PS stated, attributing serious risks to firefighters’ lives and safety to personnel shortages, the employment framework governing seasonal firefighters, ageing vehicles and equipment, and inadequate safety measures.
The opposition party called on the government to take all necessary measures immediately, stressing that Greece is currently going through the most dangerous phase of the wildfire season.
“Even now, as we are in the midst of the most dangerous stage of the wildfire season, the government must take all the measures that it failed to introduce in time,” the statement said.
SYRIZA-PS concluded by extending its sincere condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the two firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The tragedy in Krya Vrysi is a painful reminder of the deadly dangers faced every day by those serving on the front line as they strive to protect human lives, property and the natural environment.
