What are the new vegetation management requirements for telecom sites?
The primary defense against wildfires at telecommunications sites involves the rigorous management of combustible materials surrounding the equipment. The new Fire Service directive mandates a tiered approach to vegetation clearance to create effective firebreaks around critical infrastructure.
The regulations establish three distinct zones of protection based on the proximity to the equipment:
- Full Clearance Zone: A radius of at least 1 to 3 meters around the base of masts, poles, shelters, or cabinets must be completely cleared of all vegetation. This area should ideally be covered with non-combustible materials such as gravel, concrete, or bare earth.
- Reduced Fuel Load Zone: Within a 10-meter radius, operators must remove dry grass, branches, leaves, and other flammable debris. This includes thinning shrubby vegetation and pruning tree branches up to a height of 2.5 meters from the ground.
- High-Risk Buffer Zone: In areas identified as having an increased risk of fire spreading to trees, protection distances of 20 to 30 meters are recommended. These distances must be determined by assessing local slope, vegetation density, and prevailing wind patterns.
Furthermore, perimeter fencing must be kept clear of dry or climbing vegetation to ensure that fire cannot bypass these barriers and to maintain immediate access for fire service vehicles.
How must power generators and fuel tanks be secured?
To prevent fires caused by mechanical failure or fuel leaks, the Fire Service has introduced stringent technical requirements for power generation components. Because generators and fuel tanks represent significant ignition and fuel risks, they are subject to specific spatial and containment rules.
A minimum safety distance of three meters must be maintained between power generation units and the full clearance zone of the mast or shelter. Additionally, the following technical safeguards are now mandatory:
- Leak Containment: Systems must be in place to contain leaks, with a capacity equal to 110% of the total tank volume.
- Automatic Shutdown: Equipment must feature an automatic power cutoff mechanism in the event of a fuel leak or overheating.
- Specialized Extinguishers: Appropriate fire extinguishers specifically rated for liquid fuel fires must be positioned near the generator.
- Lightning Protection: Specific attention and verified protection against lightning strikes are required to prevent electrical ignition.
Technical compliance for fuel storage
The requirement for 110% containment capacity ensures that even in the event of a catastrophic tank failure, the fuel remains localized and does not feed a spreading wildfire. This measure, combined with automatic thermal and leak sensors, aims to stop a localized incident before it becomes a forest-wide disaster.
What fire detection and suppression systems are required?
The directive shifts away from traditional water-based firefighting for sensitive electronics, emphasizing the use of clean agents to protect both the environment and the equipment. For unmanned installations, the risk of delayed response is mitigated through remote monitoring and specialized suppression technology.
The Fire Service has outlined the following requirements for detection and suppression:
- Remote Detection: Unmanned sites are encouraged to use smoke or heat detectors capable of sending remote alerts to the network's operations center.
- Non-Water Suppression: The use of water or foam is strictly prohibited for extinguishing fires within telecommunications shelters. Instead, operators must use clean extinguishing agents or inert gases.
- Mandatory Equipment: Every station must be equipped with a fire extinguisher station containing at least one carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher and one dry powder extinguisher.
These measures ensure that if a fire occurs within a technical cabinet, the response is immediate and does not result in the destruction of the critical communication hardware through water damage.
What emergency response and administrative duties must operators fulfill?
Beyond physical hardware, the new framework imposes strict administrative and preparatory obligations on telecommunications providers. Every installation is now required to have a professional fire protection study conducted by a certified engineer, accompanied by a detailed emergency plan.
The mandatory emergency plan must include several critical components to ensure the Fire Service can act effectively during a crisis:
- Detailed Access Data: Precise coordinates and specific instructions for accessing the site.
- 24/7 Communication: Contact information for a designated person who is available at all times to coordinate with emergency responders.
- Service Continuity: Procedures to ensure that critical services, such as the 112 emergency number, remain functional through alternative stations if a site is lost.
- Staff Training: Mandatory annual training sessions for both permanent personnel and external contractors.
These regulations, formalized via circular number 58293 (File F.701.45.3) dated October 16, 2026, supersede the previous guidelines from 2006 and 2013. While new installations must comply immediately, existing sites have a two-year window to adapt to these higher safety standards.
FAQ: Forest protection measures Greece
Which installations are covered by these new rules?
The regulations cover all telecommunications infrastructure located on land subject to forestry legislation. This includes masts, poles, outdoor cabinets, shelters, underground chambers, electrical panels, generators, and fuel tanks. Equipment located inside permanent buildings, such as data centers, is excluded.
How long do existing telecom sites have to comply?
Existing installations are granted a transition period of two years to implement the new safety measures. This adaptation period is subject to the practical feasibility of the specific site, but the goal is full compliance within the 24-month window.
Can water be used to fight fires in telecom shelters?
No, the use of water or foam as an extinguishing medium is strictly prohibited for telecommunications shelters. To prevent damage to sensitive electronic components, the directive mandates the use of clean extinguishing agents or inert gases, such as carbon dioxide.
What is the required containment capacity for fuel tanks?
All fuel storage systems must be equipped with leak containment measures that provide a capacity of at least 110% of the total tank volume. This ensures that any accidental spill is fully captured and prevented from reaching the surrounding forest environment.
Are these rules new for all telecom companies?
Yes, these rules apply to all new installations immediately upon the circular's publication in the "Diavgeia" transparency portal. They also replace the older safety guidelines issued in 2006 and 2013, establishing a modern, more rigorous standard for the entire sector.
Key takeaways
- New mandatory vegetation clearance zones range from 1 meter to 30 meters around telecom equipment.
- Fuel tanks must feature 110% containment capacity and automatic shutdown mechanisms.
- Water and foam are prohibited for fire suppression within telecommunications shelters.
- Existing telecom sites have two years to achieve compliance with the new standards.
- All installations require a professional fire protection study and a 24/7 emergency plan.
Conclusion
The implementation of these stringent forest protection measures represents a proactive shift in how Greece manages the intersection of critical infrastructure and wildfire risk. By mandating specific vegetation buffers, advanced leak containment, and specialized fire suppression technologies, the Fire Service aims to eliminate telecommunications sites as potential ignition points. The two-year transition period provides a realistic pathway for industry compliance, while the focus on remote detection and service continuity ensures that public safety—particularly the functionality of emergency lines—remains uncompromised during wildfire events. This regulatory framework establishes a much-needed safety shield for Greece's vital forest ecosystems.
