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Greece deploys advanced cameras to protect ancient sites from fires
🇩🇪 Germany /Environment & Climate

Greece deploys advanced cameras to protect ancient sites from fires

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Greece is deploying a nationwide network of early fire detection systems at significant archaeological sites.
  • These systems use optical and thermal cameras to identify potential fires in real-time, providing data to firefighters.
  • The technology has already proven effective, helping to quickly extinguish a fire near Mycenae, and more systems are planned for sites like the Acropolis and Knossos.

Greece is implementing a comprehensive network of early fire detection systems across the country, focusing on safeguarding its invaluable archaeological heritage. The initiative, detailed by the Athens newspaper "Kathimerini" and supported by the Ministry of Environment and Citizen Protection, aims to detect forest fires at their initial stages.

The systems have optical and thermal cameras, some with a 360-degree panoramic view.

The article describes the technical capabilities of the new fire detection systems.

The advanced systems employ a combination of optical and thermal imaging cameras, some offering a full 360-degree view. These technologies provide real-time visual data and information directly to fire departments, significantly shortening response times. Currently, eight such systems are operational, monitoring key historical locations including the ancient sites of Olympia, Mycenae, and Epidaurus.

The effectiveness of this technology was demonstrated on July 31st when a fire near Mycenae was detected by the surveillance system. An automatic alarm was triggered at 9:44 AM, transmitting crucial images and data to the control center, which enabled a swift response and rapid extinguishing of the blaze, according to the news portal Flash.gr.

The fire near Mycenae was detected by the surveillance system.

The article highlights a successful instance of the system's early detection capabilities.

Further expansion of the network is planned, with six additional systems set to become operational in the coming weeks. These will cover prominent locations such as the archaeological site surrounding the Acropolis in Athens and the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos in Crete. Some sites will also feature mobile fire-fighting cannons for immediate intervention. This project, part of Greece's "Aigis" civil protection program, is funded by the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility, underscoring a commitment to protecting cultural and natural treasures through technological innovation.

The goal is to detect fires at particularly valuable cultural and natural sites as early as possible and thereby shorten the response time of emergency services.

The article explains the primary objective of the fire detection initiative.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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