Greek authorities have issued a high wildfire risk warning for Tuesday, with several regions across the country placed under Category 3 (high danger) on the official Fire Risk Map released by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.
The areas under increased risk include Attica, Thessaloniki, Boeotia, Euboea, Argolis, Corinthia, Achaia, Messinia, Aetolia-Acarnania, Preveza, Arta, Evros, Halkidiki, Mount Athos, the Dodecanese, Crete (Heraklion and Lasithi), as well as the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Psara, Samos, Ikaria, Thasos, the Sporades, and parts of the Ionian.
Safety Guidelines for the Public
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to follow strict safety measures to reduce the risk of fires:
- In outdoor areas: Avoid burning waste, lighting barbecues in dry environments, or performing tasks that could generate sparks such as welding or grinding. Do not discard lit cigarettes or leave trash in forests.
- For homes near forests: Create a firebreak of at least 10 meters by clearing dry vegetation, pruning trees, and removing flammable debris. Branches should not touch walls, roofs, or balconies, and trees should be spaced at least three meters apart.
- Protective measures: Use non-flammable materials for gutters and shutters, store firewood safely, and keep firefighting tools such as extinguishers, hoses, and water tanks readily available.
Authorities stress the importance of respecting access restrictions in high-risk areas and ensuring that both residents and visitors remain vigilant during this critical fire season.
