Μake us preferred on Google A €1,500 administrative fine was imposed on a Turkish national in Chios after he was found throwing a lit cigarette from his car window while driving through a forested area at high risk of wildfire.
The incident occurred at around 10:30 p.m. Saturday in the Agios Markos area, near Nea Moni of Chios, in central Chios.
Citizen reports incident to authorities
A passerby noticed the man’s actions and alerted the authorities. A Fire Service team responded immediately and confirmed the violation.
The man was fined €1,500 under the applicable fire safety regulations.
Discarding a lit cigarette in a forested area poses a serious risk to the natural environment and public safety, particularly during periods of elevated wildfire danger.
Area was under very high fire risk
The incident occurred on a day when the Chios regional unit was under Risk Category 4, indicating a very high level of wildfire danger.
The area also has a history of major wildfires. In August 2012, a large fire in the wider area burned through Chios’ traditional mastic-producing villages.
Fire Service continues inspections
The Fire Service is urging residents and visitors to Chios to exercise particular caution and strictly follow all prescribed wildfire prevention measures.
Daily and intensified inspections will continue, authorities said, with the aim of preventing and deterring wildfires and protecting the island.
