The Greek government has approved an increase in the working hours of seasonal firefighters, adding more than 3 million euros in extra spending to cover overtime pay during what remains an active wildfire season.
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection announced that Minister Evangelos Tournas signed the decision on Monday, August 10, 2026. The measure raises the working hours available to seasonal members of the Fire Service.
Under the decision, each seasonal firefighter will see overtime hours increased by 156, hours worked on Sundays and public holidays increased by 60, and night working hours increased by 204.
Cost breakdown
The total additional expenditure comes to 3,043,900 euros. Of that, 1,491,900 euros covers night work and work on Sundays and holidays, while 1,552,000 euros covers overtime employment.
The Civil Protection Ministry's official account on X confirmed the signing, posting that the decision for additional overtime, night and holiday pay for seasonal firefighters had been signed, along with a link to the official document.
Firefighters rally in Tripoli
Earlier the same day, seasonal firefighters from the Peloponnese held a rally in Tripoli. They wore black armbands to honor colleagues who have died in the line of duty.
Using the slogan that fires are not seasonal, the firefighters are demanding equal treatment, twelve-month employment, the removal of age limits in hiring announcements, and the use of their experience throughout the year, not just during fire season.
