An extreme risk of wildfires (Category 5) is forecast for several areas of Greece on Wednesday, July 22, according to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.

Following the announcement of the increased danger level, the Risk Assessment Committee convened, followed by a meeting of the Civil Protection Coordination Body, attended by Climate Crisis Minister Vangelis Tournas.

Areas under extreme fire danger (Category 5):

• Attica Region
• Central Greece Region (Regional Units of Boeotia and Phthiotis)
• Peloponnese Region (Regional Units of Argolis and Corinthia)

Areas under high fire danger (Category 4):

• Peloponnese Region (Regional Units of Arcadia and Laconia)
• Western Greece Region (Regional Units of Aetolia-Acarnania and Achaea)
• Central Greece Region (Regional Units of Phocis and Evia)
• Thessaly Region
• Central Macedonia Region (Regional Units of Kilkis and Thessaloniki)
• South Aegean Region (Regional Unit of Rhodes)

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has informed all relevant state services, as well as regional and municipal authorities in the affected areas, urging them to remain on increased civil protection alert in order to respond immediately to any potential wildfire incidents.

At the same time, the General Secretariat is advising citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid outdoor activities that could accidentally cause fires, including:

• Burning dry grass, branches or garden-cleaning waste;
• Using equipment that produces sparks, such as circular saws and welding devices;
• Using outdoor barbecues;
• Smoking beehives;
• Throwing lit cigarettes;
• And other activities that could ignite vegetation.

Authorities also reminded citizens that agricultural burning is prohibited during the wildfire prevention period.

Anyone who notices a fire is urged to immediately contact the Fire Service by calling 199.

For further information and self-protection guidelines regarding the dangers of wildfires, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at civilprotection.gov.gr.