Greek authorities have issued a high-level wildfire risk warning for Friday, urging citizens and visitors to exercise extreme caution as multiple regions face critical conditions for fire outbreaks.

The Civil Protection Agency has placed parts of the country—including the wider Athens area, central Greece, the Peloponnese, and certain Aegean islands—under Level 4 (Very High) fire risk on the official fire risk map. This elevated alert comes amid a prolonged heatwave, low humidity, and strong northerly winds, creating the perfect storm for wildfires.

Public Advised to Stay Vigilant

Officials are calling on the public to refrain from any activities that could accidentally ignite fires, including burning dry vegetation, using outdoor machinery that produces sparks, and lighting barbecues in forested or rural areas. The fire service remains on high alert and additional firefighting forces have been strategically deployed to high-risk zones.

Authorities emphasize the importance of immediate reporting of any signs of smoke or fire. “Rapid response is key,” a Civil Protection spokesperson noted, urging residents to call emergency services without delay if they spot potential fire outbreaks.

Ongoing Risk Throughout the Weekend

While Friday has been identified as particularly high-risk, current forecasts suggest that elevated fire danger may persist into the weekend if weather conditions do not improve. Greece, like much of southern Europe, faces increasing wildfire threats due to climate change, which has intensified summer heatwaves and droughts in recent years.

The Civil Protection Agency continues to monitor the situation and is prepared to issue further advisories if necessary.