Very high risk fire (risk category 4) is forecast for tomorrow, Saturday 20 July, in the region of Attica and in areas of Peloponnese and Central Greece, according to the Fire Risk Prediction Map issued by the General Secretariat of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.

Specifically very high fire risk is predicted tomorrow for the following areas:

– Attica Region

– Region of Peloponnese (Corinthian Region, Argolida Region)

– Region of Sterea Ellada (Boeotia, Evia)

The General Secretariat of Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection has informed the competent government departments involved, as well as the Regions and the Municipalities of the above-mentioned regions, in order to be on increased civil protection preparedness in order to deal immediately with any fire incidents.

At the same time, the GGP recommends that citizens should be particularly careful and avoid actions in the countryside that can cause a fire by negligence, such as burning dead grass and branches or cleaning debris, the use of machinery that cause sparks such as circular saws, welding devices, the use of outdoor barbecues, smoking bees, throwing lit cigarettes, etc. It is also reminded that during the fire season, burning of fields is prohibited.

In addition, the personnel of the Fire Services of the above Regional Units remain on partial watch, in order to cope with the increased service requirements, which are likely to arise due to very high fire risk (risk category 4).

At the same time, the 2nd stage of operational readiness of the Civil Defence remains in place and aerial surveillance patrols will be conducted, as well as patrols by Fire, Police and Military forces.

At the same time, for the above areas, the Civil Protection Action Plan for dealing with the risks of forest fires remains in force, according to which, among other things, the implementation of the measure of preventive prohibition of vehicle traffic and the stay of tourists in national parks, forests and “vulnerable” areas is foreseen.

Furthermore, the Fire Department appeals to citizens:

1. to be especially cautious and avoid any activity that could cause a fire outbreak.

2. monitor the information on preventing forest fires available on the Fire Department’s website and official accounts, Facebook and Twitter.

3. In case they become aware of a fire, they should immediately notify the Fire Department at the call number 199.

For more information and instructions on how to protect themselves from the dangers of forest fires, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at www.civilprotection.gr.