A very high risk of wildfire, classified as Category 4, is forecast for Wednesday, August 12, in Attica and parts of five other Greek regions, according to the country’s Fire Risk Prediction Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.

Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid any activity that could potentially cause a fire.

The areas under Category 4 fire risk are:

• Attica, including the island of Kythira
• Peloponnese, including Corinthia, Arcadia, Argolis and Laconia
• Central Greece, including Boeotia, Phthiotis, Phocis and Evia, including the island of Skyros
• North Aegean
• South Aegean, including the Cyclades
• Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, including Kavala, Thasos, Xanthi, Rhodope and Evros, including the island of Samothrace

Drones and thermal cameras deployed

Firefighting forces, Civil Protection volunteers and municipal services across Attica are on heightened alert as the very high fire danger persists.

On Mount Hymettus, a network of 16 thermal cameras monitors the area around the clock. The system uses artificial intelligence to detect smoke or unusually high temperatures. When a potential fire risk is identified, the relevant authorities are immediately mobilized to inspect and respond to the location.

Civil Protection volunteer teams are also conducting continuous patrols using vehicles and drones to monitor forested areas and help detect potential fires at an early stage.

State apparatus on alert

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has notified the relevant government services, as well as regional and municipal authorities in the affected areas, to remain on heightened civil protection readiness and respond immediately to any wildfire incidents.

The country’s second stage of operational readiness remains in effect for the Fire Service. Aerial surveillance patrols, as well as patrols by firefighting, police and military forces, will be conducted.

Fire Service personnel in the affected regions are also remaining on partial alert to meet potentially increased operational demands resulting from the Category 4 fire risk.

A Civil Protection action plan for forest fire risks also remains in effect. Among other measures, it allows for the preventive restriction of vehicle access and visitors’ presence in national parks, forests and other vulnerable areas.

Authorities urge caution

The Fire Service is urging residents and visitors to avoid activities outdoors that could accidentally start a fire.

These include burning dry grass, branches or yard-cleanup waste; using equipment that can produce sparks, such as circular saws and welding equipment; using outdoor grills; smoking out bees; and discarding lit cigarettes.

The Fire Service also reminded the public that agricultural burning is prohibited during the wildfire season.

Anyone who spots a fire is urged to immediately contact the Fire Service by calling 199.

Authorities are also urging the public to follow official wildfire-prevention information and, in the event of a fire, strictly follow instructions from the relevant authorities for their own safety.