High fire risk alert issued for six regions

Authorities have issued a high fire risk warning for Saturday across several parts of Greece, as soaring temperatures and dry conditions increase the likelihood of wildfires.

According to the Civil Protection Authority, six regions have been placed under the “very high fire risk” category—the second-highest on the national scale.

The affected areas include:

Attica (including Athens and surrounding areas)

Central Greece (particularly Evia and Viotia)

Peloponnese (notably Corinth and Argolida)

Northern Aegean islands (Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria)

All of Crete

Central Macedonia (including Thessaloniki and Kilkis)

Citizens are being urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid any outdoor activity that could potentially ignite a fire. Risky behaviors include burning dry vegetation, using machinery that may produce sparks, lighting barbecues, and discarding lit cigarettes in open areas.

On Friday alone, the Hellenic Fire Service reported 40 wildfire outbreaks across the country. Of these, 33 were brought under control at an early stage, while firefighters continued to combat seven active fires as of Friday evening.

One of the most serious incidents occurred in the Argithea area of Peania, Attica, where a fire broke out in low brush around 6:30 p.m. near a residential village. The blaze prompted a large-scale emergency response involving: 50 firefighters, 15 fire engines, 2 specialist forest commando units, 2 firefighting planes, 4 helicopters.

The fire was brought under partial control later in the evening, but crews remained on-site to prevent flare-ups.

Authorities are urging residents to stay informed through official updates and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling the emergency number 199.