Very high wildfire risk in Rodop-Meriç as restrictions imposed in forest areas

A very high risk of wildfires has been forecast for Wednesday, Aug. 12, in the northeastern Greek regions of Rhodope and Meriç (Evros), with authorities imposing restrictions on access to several forests, parks and woodland areas.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has placed the areas under Category 4, meaning conditions are favorable for wildfires to spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

Restrictions in Rhodope

In Rhodope, authorities have banned the movement and presence of people and vehicles in designated forest areas, including the Nymfaia forest near Gümülcine (Komotini), the Meşe (Mesi) woodland, the Prophet Elias recreation area near Yassıköy (Iasmos), the urban woodland of Şapçı (Sapes), and forest areas around Imeros and Kryoneri.

Residents and people working in the affected areas, as well as those traveling on the road network, are exempt from the restrictions.

Meriç (Evros) under Category 4 alert

All forest districts in Meriç (Evros), including Dedeağaç (Alexandroupoli)-Semadirek (Samothraki), Sofulli (Soufli) and Dimetoka (Didymoteicho), are also under a very high fire risk alert.

Access restrictions are in force in several areas, including parts of the Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli forest complex, woodland areas around Feres, Pylaia and Melia, and designated recreation areas in Samothraki and Didymoteicho.

The restrictions are scheduled to remain in effect from 7:30 a.m. Wednesday until 7:30 a.m. Thursday, with exemptions for residents, workers and road users. Violations can result in a €300 administrative fine.

Authorities urge extreme caution

Civil protection authorities are urging residents to avoid activities that could accidentally spark fires, including burning dry vegetation or branches, using equipment that produces sparks, welding, outdoor grilling, smoking beehives and discarding lit cigarettes.

Open-field burning is also prohibited during the fire-prevention season.

Anyone who spots a wildfire is urged to immediately call the Fire Service at 199 or the emergency number 112 and provide precise information about the location.

Authorities have placed relevant state services, municipalities and regional authorities on heightened alert as the wildfire threat remains elevated.