Greece places Attica, Viotia and Evia on red alert over very high wildfire risk
Greece has placed the regions of Attica, Viotia and Evia on Red Code mobilization after forecasting a very high wildfire risk (Category 4) for Thursday, the Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry said.
The warning, issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection through its daily Fire Risk Forecast Map, triggered the highest level of operational readiness for the affected areas.
Under the Red Code mobilization, the National Civil Protection Mechanism will operate at full capacity, deploying the necessary personnel, equipment and resources to ensure preparedness for potential wildfires and to manage any emergencies and their aftermath.
Local authorities ordered to activate emergency coordination
Municipalities and regional authorities in the affected areas have been instructed to immediately convene their local and regional civil protection coordination bodies to review preparedness, strengthen coordination and implement preventive measures against the heightened wildfire threat.
The Fire Service said aerial surveillance flights, along with patrols by firefighters, police and the armed forces, will continue as part of the enhanced operational response.
Fire departments nationwide also remain on general alert because of multiple wildfire incidents across the country and prevailing weather conditions.
Access restrictions imposed in high-risk areas
Authorities are implementing Greece's Civil Protection Action Plan for forest fires, which includes preventive restrictions on vehicle traffic and visitor access to national parks, forests and other vulnerable areas where wildfire risk is elevated.
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has notified all relevant state agencies, regional governments and municipalities to remain on heightened readiness to respond rapidly to any wildfire outbreaks.
Fire service urges public to avoid fire hazards
The Fire Service called on the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid activities that could ignite wildfires through negligence, including burning dry vegetation and agricultural waste, using equipment that generates sparks, operating outdoor barbecues, smoking beehives and discarding lit cigarettes.
Authorities also reminded the public that burning agricultural fields remains prohibited throughout the wildfire season.
Residents are urged to immediately report any fire to the Fire Service by calling 199 and to strictly follow instructions issued by emergency authorities in the event of a wildfire.
