Forest fires are the scourge of all Mediterranean countries and Greece is no exception. Their destructive impact on the environment, property and the tourist development of the affected area  is impossible to calculate. Greece, in the last few decades has had bitter experience from forest fires. The rapid development of the large urban centers and semi-urban tourist zones, triggered numerous criminal acts of arson, that destroyed large irreplaceable forest areas. The aerial firefighting contribution of the Canadair/ Bombardier  CL-215/415s have been proven crucial in the prevention and containment of these disasters. The “Deus ex machina” of firefighting have a long history in Greece, dating from 1974 when the first CL-215s were bought. The special role of aerial firefighting is part of the humanitarian role of the Hellenic Air Force within the framework of its contribution to Greece and its citizens. The presence of CL-215/415s in the remotest corners of Greece every summer, reflect the tradition of invaluable community service not only within Greece, but also abroad. The firefighting aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force are always close to the people in many ways: Fighting the forest fires that destroy the natural resources, patrolling large areas for the prevention of fires and in search and rescue operations whenever they are needed, not only within the Greek borders but farther afield in the Mediterranean area. The history of amphibians in Greece is long and after the withdrawal of the HU-16 Albatross, the CL-215/415s are the most recent examples in the H.A.F. Along the demanding role of firefighting, for which they are specifically designed, they are utilized for Search and Rescue operations and light transport. Following is a brief description of these aircraft and the units that operate them.