Wildfire conference in Athens highlights space technology for global fire resilience

Global wildfire experts meet in Athens to share new fire resilience strategies

OroraTech hosted its 3rd International Wildfire Conference (IWC) in Athens, Greece, gathering more than 90 experts, emergency responders, scientists and policymakers from six continents.

The company said the 2025 event focused on strategies and technologies for addressing intensifying wildfire threats.

Greece, one of Europe’s most wildfire-prone countries, recorded more than 47,393 hectares burned between January and August 2025, making it the fifth most destructive season in two decades.

OroraTech said Athens was selected as a relevant setting to discuss wildfire management and the future of satellite-based monitoring.

Government leaders highlight space-based wildfire collaboration

Professor Konstantinos Karantzalos, Secretary General for Telecommunications and Post at the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance, opened the conference with remarks on the role of technology in national resilience.

Professor Karantzalos said: “OroraTech brings to Greece not only its dedication and expertise, but also a profound commitment to using innovation for the common good.

“In just one year, their Greek team has built a hub of space technology and wildfire intelligence that reflects the very best of our growing ecosystem.”

Dimitris Bliziotis, Earth Observation Officer at the Hellenic Space Center, commented: “This collaboration is exactly what we need to meet the challenges of climate change: cutting-edge tools, brilliant minds, and a shared mission to protect our people and our planet.”

Satellite systems developed under Greece’s national space programme

According to OroraTech, Greece’s wildfire response capability now includes four thermal satellites developed under the Ministry of Digital Governance.

The project forms part of the Hellenic Fire System and is supported by the Hellenic Space Center.

The company explained that data from the system is shared with the Hellenic Fire Service.

It added that the initiative is part of the Greek National Satellite Space Project implemented under contract with the European Space Agency (ESA).

The programme falls within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan ‘Greece 2.0’, funded through the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).

Speakers call for coordinated action on wildfire resilience

Speakers from several countries shared perspectives on climate-driven wildfire risks and technology-based response.

Dr Lori Moore-Merrell, former U.S. Fire Administrator, emphasised that climate change is driving new levels of wildfire risk and that preparation is no longer optional.

Mathieu Payette, Director of Aviation Services at SOPFEU in Canada, and Bliziotis of the Hellenic Space Center both outlined how satellite systems enable real-time detection and visualisation of wildfire emergencies.

Fire Chief Eugene Wells of Global Fire Rescue and Fire Colonel Zisoula Ntasiou of the Hellenic Fire Corps described how new operational technologies are supporting firefighters on the ground and helping protect communities.

Axel Roenneke, Chief Commercial Officer at OroraTech, said: “Wildfire resilience cannot be solved in isolation. It requires a joint effort from many players in coordination, from prevention to better simulation and real-time insights.

“It is critical that we work as a community to bring these aspects together. Our conference is an inspiring forum of customers and friends to share the best ideas, vision.

“We now protect over 470 million hectares worldwide – that’s larger than the European Union. By monitoring their land, our customers have saved millions in mitigation costs, and more than 50 million tons of CO2 that would have otherwise been released into the atmosphere by wildfires.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The International Wildfire Conference highlighted practical developments in satellite-based fire monitoring that are likely to influence emergency coordination and operational planning.

Fire and rescue agencies, government departments, and emergency management professionals can apply the insights shared on thermal satellite data and early detection systems to improve situational awareness.

Procurement and planning officers involved in national or regional wildfire response programmes may also find relevance in the Hellenic Fire System’s integration of satellite intelligence with ground operations.

The event demonstrated how partnerships between governments, space agencies, and technology providers are shaping new standards for fire resilience at both national and transnational levels.