Greek authorities have issued an extreme wildfire warning for Tuesday, placing Athens and five other regional areas under the country’s highest fire risk category.
According to the daily Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, an extreme wildfire risk (Category 5) has been declared for:
- The Attica region, which includes Athens
- Parts of Central Greece, including the regional units of Boeotia and Phthiotis
- Parts of the Peloponnese, including Argolis and Corinthia
Very high fire danger across much of the country
A very high wildfire risk (Category 4) has also been forecast for several other parts of Greece, including areas of the Peloponnese, Western Greece, Central Greece, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, and the island of Rhodes.
Authorities have placed all relevant emergency services, regional administrations and municipalities on heightened alert to ensure a rapid response to any wildfire outbreaks.
Public urged to avoid activities that could start fires
Civil Protection officials are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid any outdoor activities that could accidentally ignite a fire.
These include burning dry vegetation or agricultural waste, using machinery that produces sparks, operating outdoor barbecues, discarding lit cigarettes, and other activities that could trigger a blaze. Authorities also reminded the public that burning fields is prohibited during the wildfire season.
Anyone who spots a wildfire is urged to immediately notify the Fire Service by calling 199.
