As the 2025 fire season approaches, the Heraklion Civil Protection team is embracing innovative technology—deploying drones to enhance their emergency response capabilities.

The initiative began with the refurbishment of the city’s two existing drones—a mapping drone and a quadcopter—which were sent to Germany for repairs and upgrades. Now fully operational, they are ready to take to the skies.

But hardware alone isn’t enough. Proper training is essential, so key personnel from Civil Protection and the municipal police will undergo hands-on, certification-focused courses—moving beyond theory to master the practical use of these aerial tools.

The strategy was finalized during a high-level meeting led by Heraklion Mayor Alexis Kalokairinos and Deputy Mayor of Civil Protection & Municipal Police Manolis Chairetis. Experts from a geoinformatics firm provided technical insights, while Civil Protection Department representative Maria Moudraki and telecom lead Manolis Koukiadakis discussed how the drones will improve forest monitoring and deliver real-time data during crises.

This forward-thinking approach ensures Heraklion is better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively when wildfires threaten the region.