A very high risk of wildfire, classified as Category 4, is forecast for Attica and Evia on Wednesday, according to Greece’s Fire Risk Prediction Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.
The warning covers the Attica region and the regional unit of Evia, which is part of the Central Greece region.
Both areas will be placed under “Red Code”, meaning the national civil protection mechanism will be fully mobilized to prepare for the potential threat, respond to emergencies and manage the consequences of a destructive event.
What Red Code means
Under the Red Code designation, authorities activate and deploy the personnel, equipment and other resources needed to ensure readiness ahead of an anticipated threat.
The measures also include short-term recovery, assistance and support actions aimed at reducing the impact of a disaster.
Municipalities and regional authorities in Attica and Evia have been instructed to immediately convene their respective civil protection coordination bodies to assess preparedness and response measures for potential forest fires.
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has also notified the relevant state services, regions and municipalities so they can remain on heightened civil protection readiness and respond immediately to any fire incidents.
Firefighters and security forces on alert
Fire Service personnel in the affected areas will remain on partial standby to deal with increased operational demands that may arise from the Category 4 fire risk.
The Fire Service’s second stage of operational readiness will also remain in effect.
Aerial surveillance patrols will be increased, along with patrols by firefighting, police and military forces.
The civil protection action plan for forest fire risks will also be implemented in the affected areas. Among other measures, it provides for the preventive restriction of vehicle access and visitor stays in national parks, forests and other vulnerable areas.
Fire Service urges caution
The Fire Service is urging residents and visitors to take particular care and avoid activities in rural areas that could accidentally start a fire.
These include burning dry grass, branches or other vegetation-clearing waste; using equipment that can produce sparks, such as circular saws and welding equipment; using outdoor grills; smoking bees; and discarding lit cigarettes.
Authorities also reminded the public that burning agricultural fields is prohibited during the wildfire prevention season.
Citizens are encouraged to follow wildfire prevention information published by the Fire Service through its website and official social media accounts.
Anyone who spots a fire should immediately contact the Fire Service by calling 199.
Authorities are also urging people to follow the instructions of emergency services during a fire and to take all necessary precautions for their safety.
Further information and self-protection guidance on forest fire risks is available from Greece’s General Secretariat for Civil Protection.
