Greek authorities have issued a “very high” wildfire risk alert for Athens and eight other regional areas on Thursday, as hot and dry conditions raise concerns over the potential for fast-spreading forest fires.
According to the country’s General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the Category 4 (“Orange”) wildfire risk applies to the wider Athens region, the island of Crete, the regional units of Evia and Corinth, as well as the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria.
Authorities have already placed emergency services, regional administrations and local municipalities on heightened alert to ensure a rapid response to any wildfire outbreaks.
Fire Services on Heightened Readiness
The Greek Fire Service announced that it remains at Level 2 operational readiness, with increased aerial surveillance and additional patrols by firefighters, police and military personnel in high-risk areas.
Fire service staff in the affected regions have also been placed on partial standby to respond quickly should fires break out.
Preventive Measures in Force
Civil protection plans have been activated across the regions under the orange alert.
As part of the preventive measures, authorities may impose temporary restrictions on vehicle access and public entry to national parks, forests and other vulnerable natural areas where fire risk is particularly high.
Residents and visitors are being urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid activities that could accidentally ignite a fire, including burning dry vegetation or using equipment capable of producing sparks.
Officials also reminded the public that agricultural burning is prohibited during Greece’s wildfire season.
