"We'll miss our families, but we're saving lives". Moldovan firefighters head to Greece to battle wildfires
A group of twenty-four firefighters from the General Inspectorate for Emergencies has set off for Greece to help extinguish wildfires in the Thessaloniki region. They are traveling with seven specialized vehicles to support their efforts in the Hellenic Republic, which has encountered some of the most devastating wildfires in recent decades. These fires have become more frequent and severe due to extreme temperatures and climate change.
Inga Borș is the only woman in the fire brigade who will, over the next two weeks, assist her colleagues in Greece. She expresses that she will miss her family but believes any sacrifice is worthwhile when it helps save lives.
“I feel proud to represent the Republic of Moldova in such international missions alongside other European nations. We will miss our families, but we understand the responsibility that comes with our work in this service,” noted Inga Borș, head of the IGSU Intervention Organization Directorate.
Gheorghe Bușmachiu, Head of the Scheme at the IGSU Training Unit, will also participate in a mission abroad for the first time.
“The emotions are not overwhelming because we are always prepared to intervene in various emergencies and are constantly in position,” admits Gheorghe Bușmachiu.
This summer marks the fourth consecutive year that Moldovan firefighters have responded to wildfires in Greece. Sergiu Puiu has participated in similar missions in previous years.
“It can be challenging due to the tough geographical conditions in Greece, especially during forest fires. The hardest part was running uphill with hoses in tow to combat the fire,” recalls Sergiu Puiu, a liaison officer.
In recent weeks, Greek authorities have dealt with numerous fire outbreaks across various regions of the country. Moldovan firefighters are heading to the Thessaloniki region. Earlier this month, a wildfire near the city, Greece's second-largest city, forced the evacuation of nearly 200 people.
“You have a professional reputation that you must uphold and continuously strengthen. Always act with discipline, caution, and respect for safety procedures. Take care of one another,” urged Victor Grosu, Secretary of State.
“We must all recognize that your team, your professionalism, and your presence—whether in Patras, Nea Makri, or Thessaloniki—should not feel like a foreign mission,” said Nikolas Krikos, the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the Republic of Moldova.
In past missions, such as in 2025, the IGSU team, consisting of 44 firefighters and eight special vehicles, was deployed to the Patras region of the Peloponnese, where Moldovan firefighters intervened in over 30 locations affected by wildfires.
