Greece launches fire prevention season as authorities warn of rising wildfire risks

Greece has officially entered its annual fire prevention season, with the Hellenic Fire Service issuing a nationwide call for vigilance amid growing concerns over increasingly frequent and intense wildfires driven by the climate crisis.

Authorities stressed that wildfires remain a persistent and highly demanding challenge, noting a significant rise in both their frequency and severity in recent years.

Prevention at the Core of Strategy
The Fire Service highlighted that prevention remains the cornerstone of Greece’s wildfire response strategy, urging citizens to actively participate in minimizing risks.

New and existing regulations—including a joint ministerial decision on the maintenance of private plots and the Fire Service Directive No. 9/2024—clearly define public responsibilities and prohibited activities aimed at reducing the likelihood of fire outbreaks and their rapid spread.

“Prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Prevention saves lives—be part of the effort,” authorities emphasized in their statement.

Emergency Response Guidance
Citizens are urged to act immediately if they notice signs of fire, including smoke or flames:

• Call emergency numbers 199 or 112 without delay
• Provide precise information on location, fire direction, wind conditions, and vegetation type
• Do not assume others have already reported the incident
• Remain on the line until all necessary details are shared
• Move away from danger zones and facilitate access for emergency responders

Strict Rules for Outdoor Activities
To reduce fire risks during the summer months, authorities warned against:

• Burning garbage, dry grass, or branches
• Lighting outdoor barbecues in forests or near dry vegetation
• Conducting activities that may produce sparks (e.g., welding, machinery use)
• Discarding lit cigarettes
• Leaving waste in forest areas
• Access restrictions to high-risk zones must also be strictly observed.

Protecting Homes Near Forest Areas
Residents living in or near forests are advised to take preventive measures, including:

• Creating a firebreak zone of at least 10 meters around properties
• Pruning trees and maintaining safe distances from buildings
• Removing dry vegetation and flammable materials
• Installing fire-resistant materials in structural elements
• Equipping homes with fire extinguishers, water hoses, and emergency water supplies

What to Do If Fire Approaches

In case of an approaching wildfire, authorities recommend:

• Staying calm and securing all openings to prevent embers from entering
• Removing flammable materials from around the property
• Ensuring easy access for firefighting vehicles
• Preparing emergency lighting and water reserves

If the fire reaches residential areas, residents are advised not to evacuate unless a safe escape route is guaranteed, noting that well-constructed buildings often provide better protection than vehicles in fire conditions.

Climate Crisis Intensifies Threat
Greek authorities underline that the escalation in wildfire incidents is closely linked to climate change, making public awareness and preparedness more critical than ever.

The Fire Service concluded with a clear warning:

“Fire is not a spectacle. For our safety, we must strictly follow the instructions of the competent authorities.”