Greece on Red Alert Saturday: Attica and 7 more regions at extreme wildfire risk – Explosive combination of heatwave, winds, and drought

A state of emergency has been declared across Greece for Saturday due to an extreme wildfire risk (Category 5) in eight regions, including Attica. The rest of the mainland and islands are also facing very high (Category 4) and high (Category 3) fire danger levels.

Regions at Very High Fire Risk (Category 4):

Western Greece
Ionian Islands (Zakynthos)
Central Greece (Fthiotida, Fokida)
Thessaly (Magnesia)
North Aegean (Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria)
Crete
Eastern Macedonia & Thrace (Rodopi, Evros)

Authorities on Full Alert

The Civil Protection Agency has mobilized its full response mechanism. Regional authorities, municipalities, the Fire Brigade, aerial firefighting forces, and security services are on heightened readiness.

Citizens are strongly urged to avoid any outdoor activity that could start a fire, such as:

Burning dry grass, branches, or yard waste
Using spark-producing tools (grinders, welding)
Outdoor grilling in risky areas
Beekeeping smoke
Disposing of lit cigarettes

Burning of fields is strictly prohibited during fire season.

If You See a Fire

Call the Fire Department immediately at 199.
Provide clear info about:

Your exact location
Location and direction of the fire
Type of vegetation burning

If You Live Near a Forest – Fire Safety Preparation:

Clear dry vegetation at least 10 meters around your home
Prune trees up to 3 meters high
Keep branches from touching the house
Thin trees so branches are at least 3 meters apart
Don’t store flammable items or wood near the house
Install non-flammable chimney and vent covers
Keep hoses long enough to reach around the home
Equip your home with extinguishers and water tanks

If a Fire Approaches Your Home:

Stay calm
Remove flammable materials
Shut windows, doors, vents, and gas supplies
Retract awnings
Make fire trucks’ access easy
Light exterior/interior lights to improve visibility in smoke
Have flashlights and batteries ready

If safe evacuation is not possible, stay indoors in a protected room.
If your house is wooden, seek refuge in a concrete building.
Follow evacuation orders strictly if issued.

After the Fire Passes:

Extinguish any remaining embers
Monitor your property for 48 hours for flare-ups
Do not leave your house unless escape is guaranteed
A home with non-flammable materials is safer than a car in fire conditions

This Saturday, the combination of scorching heat, dry landscapes, and strong winds could create the perfect storm for devastating wildfires. Citizens are urged to stay alert and strictly follow safety guidance.

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