Google Button Μake us preferred on Google

An extreme fire risk is in effect for Attica and Evia on Saturday, placing both regions on alert status (risk category 5). A very high fire risk is also forecast for many other areas of the country, according to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection under the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.

Extreme fire risk, alert status (category 5), is forecast for:

  • Region of Attica
  • Region of Central Greece (Regional Unit of Evia)

Very high fire risk (category 4) is forecast for:

  • Region of Attica (including the island of Kythira)
  • Region of the Peloponnese (Corinthia, Argolis, Arcadia, Laconia)
  • Region of Central Greece (Boeotia, Phthiotis, Phocis, and Evia including Skyros)
  • Region of the North Aegean (Lemnos, Lesbos, Chios)
  • Region of the South Aegean (the Cyclades)
  • Region of Crete (Rethymno, Chania)
  • Region of Western Greece
  • Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (Rhodope, Evros, including Samothrace)

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has notified the relevant state agencies, along with the regions and municipalities in these areas, so they can maintain heightened readiness and respond quickly to any fire outbreaks.

The Fire Service says aerial surveillance patrols are continuing, along with ground patrols by fire, police, and military units.

Fire Service personnel in areas facing extreme risk (category 5) remain on general standby, while personnel in areas facing very high risk (category 4) are on partial standby, based on the Fire Risk Forecast Map.

In these regions, the Civil Protection Action Plan for forest fire risk is also in effect. Among other measures, this includes a preventive ban on vehicle traffic and visitor access to national parks, forests, and other sensitive areas.

The Fire Service is also urging the public to:

  • Be especially careful and avoid outdoor activities that could cause a fire through negligence, including
  • burning dry grass, branches, or garden waste
  • using equipment that produces sparks, such as circular saws or welding tools
  • using outdoor grills
  • smoking out beehives
  • discarding lit cigarettes
  • Stay informed through fire prevention updates on the Fire Service’s website and official Facebook and Twitter accounts

Anyone who spots a fire should immediately call the Fire Service at 199.

As a reminder, burning agricultural fields is prohibited during the fire season.

Officials note that forest fire risk will be extreme in many parts of the country, since conditions will strongly favor fire outbreaks. The Fire Service is calling on the public to stay alert and, in the event of a fire, follow the instructions of the authorities closely for their own safety.

For more information and self-protection guidance related to forest fires, the public can visit the General Secretariat for Civil Protection’s website at www.civilprotection.gr.