Greece faces an extreme wildfire threat on Wednesday, July 9, as authorities raise the alarm for several key regions across the country. According to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, five areas are under Category 5 – State of Alarm, the highest fire risk level.
The regions at extreme risk include:
- Attica (excluding the island of Kythira)
- Central Greece (parts of Boeotia and Phthiotis)
- Peloponnese (Corinth area)
- Thessaly (Magnesia region, excluding the Sporades islands)
In addition, a very high (Category 4) and high (Category 3) risk of wildfires is forecast for most other mainland areas and several island regions, including Crete, Euboea, the Ionian Islands, and parts of Northern Greece.
Authorities on Alert
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has activated all relevant state and local agencies to remain on heightened emergency readiness, particularly in high-risk areas, to ensure immediate response in case of fire outbreaks.
Fire departments in regions under Category 5 alert are placed on full standby, while regions under Category 4 are on partial alert. Aerial patrols, along with fire, police, and military units, continue to monitor vulnerable areas.
Public Urged to Exercise Caution
Citizens are urged to avoid any outdoor activity that could ignite fires, including:
- Burning dry grass or garden waste
- Using tools that create sparks (e.g. grinders, welding equipment)
- Lighting barbecues
- Discarding lit cigarettes
- Engaging in beekeeping that involves smoke
The public is also reminded that open burning of fields is strictly prohibited during fire season.
Movement Restrictions Across Multiple Regions
In an effort to prevent potential wildfire incidents, preventative movement bans have been issued in multiple regions, including:
- Thessaloniki: Access is restricted to forests and green areas such as Seich Sou Forest, Panorama, Oreokastro, and Thermi from Wednesday 7:30 a.m. to Thursday 7:30 a.m.
- Evros (northeastern Greece): Several wooded recreation areas and nature spots, including the Dadia Forest and Makri region, are off-limits to the public.
- Kilkis: Four areas including Hero Hill and reforested zones will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic until Friday morning.
- Chania (Crete): Forested parks and protected Natura zones like Agios Matthaios Forest and the Katiana windmill park are closed during the fire warning period.
- Western Macedonia (Kozani, Grevena, Florina, Kastoria): Widespread forest road closures are enforced in dozens of areas, ranging from public parks to nature preserves and mountainous woodlands.
- Samothraki island: Access to its suburban forest is banned from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Violation of these restrictions is punishable by a €300 administrative fine, and the bans will remain in place until fire danger levels fall to Category 2 or below.
National Wildfire Action Plan Activated
Alongside these bans, the government has activated its National Civil Protection Plan to manage fire emergencies. Measures include proactive vehicle bans in forests, closure of nature reserves, and the suspension of outdoor recreational activities in high-risk zones.
As Greece continues to experience dry, hot summer conditions, authorities are urging both locals and tourists to stay informed and vigilant, stressing that fire prevention is a shared responsibility.
For real-time updates and fire risk forecasts, visit civilprotection.gov.gr.
