Hellenic Fire Service

It was not until 1914 that the Corps, now again known as Firemen Company and still under military control, was expanded to other cities outside Athens, covering also Thessaloniki, Patras and Piraeus The municipalities were responsible for the rest of the country.

In 1984 the incumbent government sought to unify all prexisting security forces, including the Fire Service, into the Hellenic Police.

Students of the Firefighting Academy protested this by squatting on the premises and the Force's incorporation was never realised.

Other duties include the collaboration with the other Greek security forces, prevention measures and information and the education of the public.

The different legal and regulatory texts describing the organization and operation of the Fire Service were codified in 1992 in Presidential Decree 210.

Volunteers act as a support force and they have to be officially recognized and trained by the Greek state.

[7] The mission of the Volunteer Firefighter is the safety and protection of the life and property of citizens and the state.

Crews of volunteers respond to the dangers of fires, floods, earthquakes, other natural disasters and accidents.

These voluntary structures are administratively and operationally subordinate to the Service of the Fire Corps in which they are based.

In particular, voluntary crews can be formed at the level of Local Government Organizations and Holy Monasteries, giving specific incentives in this direction.

Crews can be raised in locations where there are no professional fire services, such as in remote Greek islands.

Firefighters wear bright blue turnout coats with Silver Gallet helmets.

The training takes place at the Firefighting Academy (Pyrosvestiki Akademia) which is located in Kato Kifissia (38°04′55″N 23°47′18″E / 38.081830°N 23.788287°E / 38.081830; 23.788287) with an annex at Villia Attikis.