Deadline for plot clearing ahead of fire season extended

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a 45-day extension for property owners to clear plots of vegetation ahead of Greece’s wildfire season, which begins May 1. The new deadline is June 15.

The extension, announced during Mitsotakis’ visit to the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, comes amid heightened concerns over fire risk. The prime minister warned that “the toughest challenges of the climate crisis are still ahead,” adding that firefighting forces and volunteer numbers are at record highs.

Authorities urge landowners to complete cleanups promptly and submit declarations via akatharista.apps.gov.gr. Failure to comply may result in €1,000 fines, while false declarations carry penalties of up to two years in prison and €54,000 in fines.

Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis emphasized the need for municipal coordination, noting that funding for local governments has doubled. Last year, only 185 of Greece’s 334 municipalities responded to the platform’s launch, underscoring gaps in compliance and enforcement. 

Kathimerini