Greece on high alert as wildfire risk reaches extreme levels
Greece's state authorities remain on heightened alert as extreme weather conditions increase the risk of wildfires across large parts of the country.
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has placed several regions under the highest wildfire danger category, warning that strong winds could rapidly spread any fires that break out.
Category 5, or extreme fire danger, is in effect for the Attica region, the regional units of Boeotia and Evia in Central Greece, and Argolida and Corinthia in the Peloponnese.
A much wider area has been placed under category 4, or very high fire danger. These areas include the North Aegean, Crete, the Cyclades, Halkidiki, parts of Western Greece, the Ionian Islands, the Sporades, as well as several areas of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, including Kavala, Taşöz (Thasos), İskeçe (Xanthi), Rodopi and Meriç (Evros).
Strong winds raise concern
Winds are expected to reach 8 Beaufort and locally 9 Beaufort, creating particularly dangerous conditions for the rapid spread of flames.
The strongest winds are forecast around Kafireas in southern Evia, the northern Cyclades, eastern Attica, the North Aegean and Crete.
Authorities warn that fires under such conditions can become highly aggressive and difficult to contain, making rapid intervention critical.
Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas said areas under category 4 would be treated as if they were under the highest category.
"The areas in category 4 will be treated as if they were in category 5," Tournas said, stressing the need for the full mobilization of all relevant authorities.
Firefighters, police and military on alert
Firefighting, police and military personnel have been placed on increased readiness, while volunteers are also participating in prevention efforts.
Aerial surveillance and ground patrols by the Fire Service, police and armed forces are continuing in high-risk areas.
Fire Service personnel in areas under category 5 have been placed on general alert, while personnel in category 4 areas are on partial alert.
The civil protection plan also allows authorities to impose preventive restrictions on vehicle movement and the presence of visitors in national parks, forests and other vulnerable areas when conditions require it.
Authorities have stressed that the priority is to detect and contain any new fire before it can threaten lives, homes, property and the natural environment.
Warnings to residents
Civil protection authorities are urging residents to avoid any outdoor activity that could accidentally cause a fire.
People have been warned against burning dry grass, branches or other vegetation, using machinery that produces sparks, including circular saws and welding equipment, and using outdoor grills in areas where restrictions apply.
Smoking bees and throwing cigarette butts outdoors are also among the activities authorities warn against.
The burning of agricultural fields remains prohibited during the fire-prevention season.
Officials are also urging residents to follow instructions from local authorities and to remain informed through official Civil Protection and Fire Service channels.
Anyone who sees a fire is advised to immediately contact the Fire Service at 199.
Six arrests over fires
Authorities have also made six arrests in recent days in connection with fires and alleged violations of fire-protection legislation.
The arrests took place in Ilia, Meriç (Evros), Attica, Chios, Thesprotia and Phocis on Wednesday and Thursday, as several parts of the country were already under very high fire danger.
The arrests add to concerns over human activity as authorities prepare for another period of difficult firefighting conditions.
Officials are calling for maximum vigilance, warning that even a small spark could quickly develop into a major wildfire under the current combination of strong winds and dry conditions.
Source:ERT
