Greece is bracing for a period of extreme fire danger as hazardous weather conditions, including strong winds, high temperatures, and prolonged drought, are expected to persist until August 15. The Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, issued a warning following a meeting of the Scientific Risk Assessment Committee and an inter-ministerial coordination meeting involving all relevant agencies.
On Sunday, August 11, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection issued a Fire Risk Prediction Map, highlighting the areas at the highest risk for wildfires.
The following regions have been classified under Extreme Fire Danger – Alert Level 5:
Attica (excluding Kythera island)
Central Greece (Boeotia, Evia)
Peloponnese (Argolis, Corinth)
Crete
Additionally, other regions are under High Fire Danger – Alert Level 4, including:
Attica (Kythera island)
Peloponnese
Western Greece (Achaea)
Central Greece (Fokida, Boeotia, Phthiotis, Evia including Skyros)
Thessaly (Sporades)
North Aegean (Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria)
South Aegean (Cyclades, Karpathos)
Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (Rodopi, Evros including Samothrace)
Minister Kikilias emphasised the severity of the situation, noting the combination of strong winds, reaching up to 8 Beaufort, alongside drought and dry conditions, which place “half of Greece in the red.”
To mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires, the following emergency measures have been implemented:
The Fire Service is on high alert with full mobilization of both ground and aerial firefighting forces.
Forests, parks, and green spaces in high-risk areas will be closed to the public, with entrances monitored by the Hellenic Police (ELAS).
ELAS will conduct increased patrols in forests and be prepared to evacuate citizens to safe areas if necessary.
The Armed Forces will increase patrols in forested and mountainous areas, and heavy machinery will be on standby to create firebreaks if needed.
The Coast Guard, as well as the Civil Protection mechanisms of the regions and municipalities, are on heightened alert.
Relevant agencies, including the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO) and the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO), are prepared to respond to emergencies, along with the National Center for Emergency Care (EKAV), the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, and the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.
In light of these conditions, the public is urged to be extremely cautious and avoid activities that could spark fires, such as burning dry grass, using machinery that creates sparks, and operating outdoor grills. Citizens are also reminded that burning agricultural fields is prohibited during the fire season.
On Saturday alone, 42 agricultural and forest fires were reported across Greece. The Fire Service managed to contain 36 of these fires quickly, while efforts continue to control the remaining six. Investigations into the causes of these fires are ongoing, with the involvement of local investigation offices and the Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes (DAEE). Additionally, administrative fines have been imposed on six individuals for violating fire safety regulations.
In Athens, the municipality has taken extra precautions due to the high fire risk, particularly in the city’s green spaces. Key areas, including the Lycabettus, Strefi, Filopappou, Tourkovounia, and Ilisia hills, are being closely monitored, and a traffic ban has been enforced on Lycabettus Hill. Water tankers are on standby to support firefighting efforts, and the Municipal Police will use drones to monitor green areas and report any signs of fire.
*with AMNA
