The "Volunteer Forestfiremen and Rescuers of Ekali" is the continuation of the Fire-Prevention Service of the Municipality of Ekali , which was founded in the summer of 1978. Up to 1997 this Service consisted of four employees ( one driver , one fireman , one fireman in the fire-watchtower , and one telephone operator in the control room , in the Municipalities' offices ) , who with two fire trucks ; one Ford / 4t. fire engine and one Mercedes Unimog / 2t. water tender , were called to deal with any incident of forest fire within the area of responsibility of Ekali. In some cases, the Municipality of Ekali was forced, after receiving such orders from either the Ministry of Interior or the City Council of Athens to send a fire engine to the fire-struck area. Thus, in some cases it was not unusual to spot an Ekali fire truck in in Parnitha or in Pendeli. In the summer of 1997 VFRE is founded by volunteer fireman Apollon Kounis. It started as a team of 12 men and 4 drivers (who were only employed during the summer period) and numbers today more than thirty active volunteers.

Finally, it should be noted that the team's organisational features don't consist strict army-like hierarchy. Our work is based on respect for each other and a single aim: To aid in saving our area's beloved nature. In that way, we have managed to establish a friendly enviroment and way-of-work which doesn't lack the organization to fight side-by-side with the Hellenic Fireservice. We believe that we've created an opportunity for each citizen of our Municipality, who is able and interested, to aid in maintaining our beautiful area overwhelmed by nature.

Besides, it's in our hands not to remain onlookers during the destruction of our forests.