FIRE CHIEF RESIGNS WITHOUT ‘REASON’

Andreas Kois, head of the Greek Fire Service, suddenly resigned last month without giving any reason, according to the Interior Ministry.

There was much speculation among government officials and the public that the move by Mr. Kois, 57, had been fuelled by last summer's catastrophic forest fires that killed 67 people, including three fire-fighters on Crete. However, those speculations were not confirmed.

There were also reports that Kois disagreed with civil protection agency officials over fire fighting plans.

Immediately after Mr. Kois’ resignation, Athanassios Kontocostas was named as his replacement.

The new chief, who said his first task will be to tackle staff shortages within the department, announced he has been promised 1,300 new hirings by the government.

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