Attica and 11 regional units across Greece have been placed on Red Code alert today, Monday, because of the very high wildfire risk forecast for the areas.
The following areas are under “Red Code” alert Monday:
- The Attica region, including the island of Kythira
- The regional units of Phthiotis, Boeotia and Evia, including the island of Skyros, in the Central Greece region
- The regional units of Corinthia, Argolis and Laconia, in the Peloponnese region
- The regional unit of the Cyclades, in the South Aegean region
- The regional units of Lesbos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria, in the North Aegean region
According to the team responsible for issuing the General Secretariat for Civil Protection’s Daily Fire Risk Forecast Map, the wildfire risk in these areas is expected to be very high, corresponding to risk category 4.
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection said the National Mechanism is being placed on full alert, activating and deploying the necessary personnel, as well as materials and equipment corresponding to the needs, to ensure preparedness for an impending threat, respond to emergencies and manage the consequences of a catastrophic event. Short-term recovery, relief and support measures are also being launched to mitigate the impact of any disaster.
As part of these measures, according to a ministry announcement, municipalities and regional authorities in the areas listed above have been instructed to immediately convene their respective Local Operational Coordination Bodies for Civil Protection (TESOPP) and Regional Operational Coordination Bodies for Civil Protection (PESOPP). The bodies will examine issues related to preparedness and the response to risks arising from forest fires.
Very high wildfire risk in Attica, Cyclades, North Aegean islands, Central Greece and Peloponnese
A very high wildfire risk, corresponding to risk category 4, is forecast for Monday in Attica, the Cyclades, islands in the North Aegean, and areas of Central Greece and the Peloponnese.
More specifically, according to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr), a very high wildfire risk, corresponding to risk category 4, is forecast today for the following areas:
- Attica region, including the island of Kythira
- Central Greece region, including the regional units of Phthiotis, Boeotia and Evia, including the island of Skyros
- Peloponnese region, including the regional units of Corinthia, Argolis and Laconia
- South Aegean region, including the Cyclades regional units
- North Aegean region, including the regional units of Lesbos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has notified all relevant government services, as well as the regional and municipal authorities in the areas listed above, so they can remain on heightened civil protection readiness and respond immediately to any wildfire incidents.
According to the Fire Service, personnel at fire stations in the above regional units have been placed on partial alert to meet increased operational demands that may arise because of the very high wildfire risk, corresponding to risk category 4.
In addition, the Fire Service’s second stage of operational readiness will be activated, while aerial surveillance patrols will be increased, along with patrols by firefighting, police and military forces.
At the same time, the Civil Protection Action Plan for addressing risks from forest fires is being implemented in these areas. Among other measures, the plan provides for preventive restrictions on vehicle traffic and visitors’ presence in national parks, forests and other vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, the Fire Service is urging citizens:
- To exercise extreme caution and avoid activities outdoors that could accidentally cause a fire, such as burning dry grass, branches or other cleaning debris; using equipment that can produce sparks, such as circular saws and welding equipment; using outdoor grills; smoking beehives; throwing away lit cigarettes; and other similar activities. Authorities also remind residents that agricultural burning is prohibited during the wildfire season.
- To follow wildfire prevention information available on the Fire Service’s website and its official Facebook and X accounts.
- If they spot a fire, to immediately notify the Fire Service by calling 199.
Finally, the Fire Service is urging all citizens to exercise extreme caution and, in the event of a fire, follow the instructions of the competent authorities closely for their own safety.
