Why Does the US Forest Service Work in Greece?
The 2007 fire season in Greece was the worst on record due to a combination of high temperatures, drought conditions, and strong, dry winds. Approximately 270,000 hectares burned in over 3,000 fires across Greece damaging numerous forests, olive groves, farms and about 4,000 homes. Approximately 84 people died in the blazes, including several firefighters, and the estimate of economic damage was $1.6 billion dollars. Given the difficult situation and widespread damage, the Government of Greece declared a disaster situation and subsequently received support from 20 European Union states and neighboring countries. The U.S., though the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA), provided immediate funds for the procurement of emergency relief supplies and fire-fighting equipment as well as additional assistance to strengthen Greek fire management and disaster response capacities. Overall, U.S. assistance to Greece, including both im
