Survey for the strategic and operational preparedness and tactics of fire agencies in a small Greek island

Stavros Sakellariou (), Olga Christopoulou (), Fani Samara (), Stergios Tampekis (), Athanassios Sfougaris (), Aristotelis - Kosmas Doukas (), Dirk Jaeger (), Vassilios Drossos (), Konstantinos Soutsas (), Evaggelos Karagiannis (), George Tsantopoulos (), Anna - Maria Ntarladima () and Ioannis Sfoungaris ()
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Stavros Sakellariou: Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly
Olga Christopoulou: Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly
Fani Samara: Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly
Stergios Tampekis: Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly
Athanassios Sfougaris: Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly
Aristotelis - Kosmas Doukas: Department of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Dirk Jaeger: University of Freiburg
Vassilios Drossos: Department of Forestry and Environment Management and Natural Resources, Demokritio University of Thrace
Konstantinos Soutsas: Department of Forestry and Environment Management and Natural Resources, Demokritio University of Thrace
Evaggelos Karagiannis: Department of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
George Tsantopoulos: Department of Forestry and Environment Management and Natural Resources, Demokritio University of Thrace
Anna - Maria Ntarladima: Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly
Ioannis Sfoungaris: Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly

No 2805376, Proceedings of International Academic Conferences from International Institute of Social and Economic Sciences

Abstract: Forest fires consist one of the greatest hazards for the viability and sustainable development of forests with implications both on natural and cultural environment, affecting the economy and the quality of life of local population. The outbreaks of forest fires could stem from either natural (thunders) or anthropogenic causes (carelessness, accidents, arsons). The latter usually compose the greatest percentage of ignition of forest fires especially at the Mediterranean regions.Primary aim of the paper is the exploration of strategic and operational preparedness and tactics of fire agencies in a small Greek island. Case study is the island of Thasos, which is located in the north of Greece. The prevention and effective confrontation of natural catastrophes such as forest fires constitutes high priority for the integrated protection as well as the sustainable development of such susceptible ecosystems. The purpose of the study is the overall enhancement and improvement of prevention; timely and powerful suppression and generally the rational confrontation of forest fires, adapted to the indigenous peculiarities of the insular environment, through knowledge and operational gaps that will be resulted from the current survey.The ongoing research consists of a survey (through questionnaires) by exploring the perspectives and knowledge basis of agencies responsible for preventing and containing forest fires (forest service, civil protection secretary of municipality of Thasos, local Fire Service) on specific issues such as coordination issues; economic data and information; possible ignition causes; necessary precautions and activities for effective prevention and timely suppression and the corresponding difficulties; quantity and quality of fire machinery and human resources involved to the fire confrontation. All above could be integrated into a unique study so that we may develop a comprehensive Decision Support System for the island. Finally, it should be highlighted that neither the prevention nor the suppression agency staff have been aware about the existence and significance - contribution of Decision Support Systems to the natural catastrophes (like forest fires) management and containment. Hence, there is fertile ground and a unique opportunity is presented in practicing contemporary Decision Support Systems into Thasos island, assisting and educating actively the fire personnel to the usage of such state-of-the-art systems. Thus, the added value of this project is considered of vital importance for educational, preventative and operational reasons before and during forest fires.

Keywords: Survey; operational preparedness and tactics; fire agencies; island; Thasos (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 8 pages
Date: 2015-10
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Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 19th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2015, pages 738-745

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