Following the latest deadly wildfire in East Attica on Friday, August 8,Greece’s civil protection authorities have issued an extreme wildfire danger warning also for today, Sunday, August 10, as strong northerly winds and soaring temperatures combine to create critical fire conditions in several regions, including Attica, Boeotia and Evia.
According to the National Observatory of Athens (Meteo), winds could reach 8 on the Beaufort scale, with gusts up to 80–90 km/h in eastern parts of Attica. Temperatures will remain high, climbing to 39–40°C in western mainland areas and the islands of the eastern Aegean.
In Attica, the mercury is forecast between 27°C and 34°C, slightly about two degrees lower in northern and eastern districts. Across the country, temperatures will range from 20–38°C in northern Greece to 25–40°C in parts of the Aegean.
Extreme and Very High Fire Risk
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) has placed Attica, Boeotia, and Evia on Category 5 – Red Alert for wildfires. Large swaths of the country, including Crete, the Cyclades, the Peloponnese, and parts of Macedonia and Thrace, are under Category 4 – Very High Risk.
Authorities have placed all firefighting personnel on general alert and are conducting aerial and ground patrols. Preventive measures include potential closures of national parks, forests, and other high-risk areas to vehicles and visitors.
Fire Safety Advice for Citizens
The Fire Service has urged the public to avoid activities that could spark a blaze, such as:
- Burning dry grass, branches, or other debris
- Using machinery that produces sparks (grinders, welding equipment)
- Operating outdoor grills in rural areas
- Smoking near beekeeping areas
- Discarding lit cigarettes outdoors
Citizens are also advised to monitor official updates and call 199 immediately if they spot smoke or fire. The seasonal ban on burning fields remains in effect throughout the fire season.
August 15 Outlook
Forecasters expect a slight drop in temperatures from Wednesday, with Athens cooling to 33–34°C by the August 15 holiday. “We will have a beautiful and cooler Assumption Day compared to today,” meteorologist Panagiotis Giannopoulos told ERT television.
