Very high risk of fire (risk category 4) is forecast for today Saturday for the region of Attica and areas of the regions of Peloponnese, Western Greece, Central Greece, Thessaly and Crete.

Specifically, according to the Fire Risk Prediction Map issued by the General Secretariat of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection, a very high fire risk is predicted for today for the following areas:

– Region of Attica (including the island of Kythera)

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

– Region of Western Greece (Achaia)

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

– Region of Thessaly (Magnesia)

– Region of Crete (Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion)

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 Municipalities of the above areas, so that they are in increased readiness for civil protection 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 dry 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.

Accordingly, the 2nd stage of operational readiness remains in 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 remain 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, for the above areas, the Civil Protection Action Plan for dealing with forest fire risks 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 Brigade appeals to citizens:

1. To be especially careful and avoid any activity that could cause a fire outbreak.

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

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 for Civil Protection at www.civilprotection.gr.