A very high risk of fire (risk category 4) is predicted tomorrow in Attica, Evia, Laconia and areas of the North Aegean, according to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General SecretariatCivil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.

Specifically, a very high risk of fire (risk category 4) is predicted tomorrow for the following areas:

– Region of Attica (including the island of Kythera)

– Region of Sterea Ellada (including the area of Evia)

– Region of Peloponnese (PE Laconia)

– Region of North Aegean (PE Lesvos, PE Chios, PE Samos, PE Ikaria)

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, in order to be on increased civil protection preparedness in order to deal immediately with any fire incidents.

At the same time, the General Secretariat of Civil Protection 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, throwing lit cigarettes, etc. It is also reminded that during the fire season, burning of fields is prohibited.

As announced by the Fire Department, the 2nd stage of the operational readiness of the Fire Department is being implemented 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 areas 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, for the above areas, the Civil Protection Action Plan for dealing with forest fire risks is implemented, according to which, among other things, the implementation of the measure of preventive prohibition of vehicle traffic and stay of excursionists in national parks, forests and “vulnerable” areas is foreseen.

The Fire Department appeals to citizens:

1. to be particularly careful and avoid actions in the open air that can cause a fire by negligence, such as burning dry grass and branches or cleaning debris, using spark-causing 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.

2. to follow the information on forest fire prevention available on the website and official accounts of the Fire Department, Facebook and Twitter.

3. In case they become aware of a fire, they are requested to immediately notify the Fire Service on the call number 199.

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