Very high fire risk (risk category 4) is predicted tomorrow in Attica and in the Regions of Evia, Corinthia, Argolida, Lesvos and Chios, according to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr).

A high risk of fire (risk category 3) is predicted in several areas of the island and mainland.

The General Secretariat Civil Protectionof the Ministry of Climate Crisis and 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 fire department 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.

Parking and curfew

Accordingly, as announced by the Fire Department, the SF’s Stage 2 operational readiness remains in effect. and aerial surveillance patrols will be conducted, as well as patrols by fire, police and military forces.

In addition, Fire Department personnel in the above areas remain on partial alert in order to address the increased service demands likely to arise due to a very high fire risk (risk category 4).

At the same time, for these 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.

Citizens are urged to show caution

In addition, the Fire Department is appealing 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 grills, smoking bees, throwing lit cigarettes, etc. It is also reminded that during the fire season, burning of fields is prohibited.

2. Monitor 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.