High fire risk in Rhodope today
Authorities in Rhodope are on high alert today, Thursday, July 10, as the region has been classified in fire risk category 3 (yellow zone – high risk), according to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.
The same level of risk applies to the regional units of Evros and Kavala, as well as the islands of Thasos and Samothraki. Meanwhile, the regional units of Xanthi and Drama are placed in category 2 (moderate risk).
As part of preventive measures, Rhodope Deputy Governor Manolis Tapatzas has issued a ban on public access and vehicle circulation in seven forest areas of the region:
- Nymfaia Forest (Municipality of Gümülcine)
- Forested area of Mesa Beach (Municipality of Gümülcine)
- Prophet Elias recreational area in Yassıköy (Municipality of Yassıköy)
- Sapes Grove (Municipality of Maroneia-Şapçı)
- Former Tourist Pavilion forest area in Imeros (Municipality of Maroneia-Şapçı)
- "Kapsala" forest in Imeros coastal zone (Municipality of Maroneia-Şapçı)
- Kryoneri coastal forest area (Municipality of Maroneia-Şapçı)
Citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid outdoor activities that could ignite fires, such as burning dry grass, using spark-producing tools, outdoor grilling, or discarding lit cigarettes.
In case of a fire, immediate contact with emergency numbers 199 or 112 is crucial. Authorities also remind the public that burning agricultural land is strictly prohibited during the wildfire season.
