Very high risk fire (risk category 4) is predicted tomorrow for the Attica Region as well as for areas of the Regions of Peloponnese, West Greece, Sterea Greece, Thessaly and Crete.

More specifically, according to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr), a very high fire risk is forecast tomorrow for the following areas:

– Region of Attica (including the island of Kythera)

– Peloponnese Region (Corinth, Argolida, Laconia, Arcadia)

– Region of Western Greece (Achaia)

– Region of Central Greece (Boeotia, Fthiotida, Evia)

– Region of Thessaly (Magnesia)

– Region of Crete (Chania)

The General Secretariat of Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection has informed the relevant government departments involved, as well as the regions and municipalities of the above areas, so that they are in increased readiness for civil protection in order to deal directly 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 through negligence, such as burning dry grass and branches or cleaning debris, using spark-inducing machinery such as circular saws, welding devices, using outdoor barbecues, smoking bees, throwing lit cigarettes, etc. It is also reminded that during the fire season, burning of fields is prohibited.

Accordingly, the 2nd stage of operational readiness of the Fire Brigade is put into effect and aerial surveillance patrols will be carried out, as well as patrols by fire, police and military forces.

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

At the same time, the Fire Department appeals to citizens:

1. to be particularly careful and avoid any activity that could cause a fire outbreak.

2. to monitor the information on forest fire prevention available on the Fire Department’s website and official accounts, Facebook and Twitter.

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

Finally, the Fire Brigade calls on all citizens to be particularly careful and in case of fire, for their own safety, to follow the instructions of the competent authorities.

For more information and instructions for self-protection from the dangers of forest fires, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat of Civil Protection at civilprotection.gov.gr.