Greece’s Civil Protection Authority has issued a high wildfire risk warning for Saturday, August 16, placing ten regions in the “very high risk” Category 4 on the national fire danger map.
The areas under alert include:
- Attica (Athens region)
- Peloponnese (Corinthia, Argolis)
- Western Greece (Achaia, Aetolia-Acarnania)
- Central Greece (Phthiotis, Phocis, Boeotia, Euboea including Skyros island)
- Thessaly (Sporades islands)
- Central Macedonia (Halkidiki including Mount Athos)
- Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (Kavala, Thasos, Xanthi, Rhodope, Evros including Samothraki island)
- North Aegean (Lesbos, Lemnos)
- South Aegean (Rhodes, Karpathos)
- Crete (Heraklion, Lasithi)
Authorities have alerted regional and municipal services to be on heightened standby to respond quickly to any fire outbreaks.
Residents and visitors are urged to avoid activities that could trigger wildfires, such as burning dry grass, using outdoor grills, welding, operating machinery that generates sparks, or discarding lit cigarettes. Beekeepers are also advised against smoking bees in open fields.
The Civil Protection Authority reminded the public that open burning of fields is strictly prohibited during the fire season. Anyone spotting a fire should immediately call the Fire Service at 199.
