Very high fire hazard, risk category 4, is forecast for Thursday in Attica and the Regional Units of Euboea and Rhodes, according to the Fire Risk Forecast Map published by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the body under Greece’s Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection responsible for coordinating the country’s disaster preparedness and response.

The areas facing very high fire risk on Thursday, and now on red code alert, are:

• The Attica Region
• The Regional Unit of Euboea, in the Region of Central Greece
• The Regional Unit of Rhodes, in the South Aegean Region

According to a statement from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the red code status calls for full mobilisation of the National Civil Protection Mechanism, including the activation and deployment of the necessary personnel, equipment, and resources, to ensure maximum operational readiness to combat potential wildfires and manage their consequences.

Municipalities and regions in the affected areas have been instructed to immediately convene their Local Civil Protection Operational Coordination Bodies (known by the Greek acronym T.E.S.O.P.P.) and Regional Civil Protection Operational Coordination Bodies (P.E.S.O.P.P.), the local and regional committees responsible for coordinating agencies involved in wildfire prevention and response, to review operational readiness.

The ministry has urged citizens to exercise extreme caution, avoid any actions that could start a fire, and strictly follow instructions from the relevant authorities. In the event of a fire, residents are advised to follow the guidance of the authorities and any alerts issued through 112, Greece’s emergency notification line.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has also notified relevant government agencies, as well as the regions and municipalities in the affected areas, to maintain heightened readiness so they can respond immediately to any fire incidents.

The Fire Service’s Level 2 operational readiness remains in effect, alongside aerial surveillance and patrols by firefighting, police, and military personnel. Fire Department staff in the affected regional units remain on partial standby to meet any increased operational demands linked to the very high fire risk.

The Civil Protection Action Plan for wildfire risk also remains in force for these areas. Among other measures, it provides for a precautionary ban on vehicle traffic and visitor access to national parks, forests, and other areas considered vulnerable to fire.

The Fire Department has issued the following appeal to the public:

1. Take particular care and avoid outdoor activities that could accidentally start a fire, such as burning dry grass, branches, or garden waste; using machinery that produces sparks, including circular saws and welding equipment; using outdoor grills; smoking near dry vegetation; or discarding lit cigarettes. Burning fields is prohibited during the fire prevention season.
2. Stay informed on forest fire prevention through the Fire Department’s website and its official social media accounts.
3. Anyone who spots a fire should notify the Fire Department immediately by calling 199.

The Fire Department has urged all citizens to remain especially cautious and, in the event of a fire, to strictly follow instructions from the relevant authorities for their own safety.

Further information and guidance on protecting against wildfire risk is available on the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.