Authorities across Greece are on heightened alert this Tuesday as hot, dry, and windy weather creates extreme wildfire risk in many parts of the country. The conditions—described as “Hot-Dry-Windy”—can cause fires to spread rapidly and make them difficult to control.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has placed ten regions under “very high” (category 4) fire risk, including Attica, the Peloponnese, Western Greece, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Greece, the Ionian Islands, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Central Macedonia, and the North Aegean islands.

Municipalities, regional authorities, and state agencies in these areas have been instructed to maintain maximum readiness for immediate response to any fire outbreaks.

Residents are urged to avoid activities that could accidentally start a fire, such as burning dry grass, using outdoor grills, operating machinery that generates sparks, or discarding lit cigarettes. The use of open flames is strictly prohibited during the wildfire season.

Anyone spotting a fire is asked to call the Fire Service immediately on 199. Detailed safety guidelines and updates are available on the Civil Protection website (civilprotection.gov.gr).