A very high risk of wildfire (Fire Risk Category 4) is forecast for Wednesday in the Ionian Islands Region, according to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.

As a result, the region will be placed under a Red Code mobilization status on Wednesday, the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection announced.

Under the Red Code status, the National Civil Protection Mechanism is placed on full mobilization, activating and deploying the necessary personnel, equipment and resources required to prepare for an imminent threat, respond to emergencies and manage the consequences of a catastrophic event. Short-term recovery, assistance and support measures are also initiated to mitigate the effects of a disaster.

As part of these measures, municipalities and the regional authorities in the affected area have been instructed to immediately convene their respective Local Operational Civil Protection Coordination Bodies (TESOPP) and Regional Operational Civil Protection Coordination Bodies (PESOPP) to address preparedness and response to potential forest fires.

Fire Service on Alert

Fire Service personnel in the affected areas will be placed on partial alert, the Hellenic Fire Service announced, in order to meet increased operational demands that may arise because of the very high fire risk (Category 4).

The Fire Service will also implement its second stage of operational readiness, while aerial surveillance patrols will be increased. Additional patrols will also be carried out by firefighting, police and military forces.

At the same time, the Civil Protection action plan for dealing with forest-fire risks will be activated in the affected areas. Among other measures, the plan allows for the preventive prohibition of vehicle traffic and visitor access to national parks, forests and other vulnerable areas.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has notified the relevant government agencies, as well as the regional and municipal authorities, so that they can remain on heightened civil-protection readiness and respond immediately to any wildfire incidents.

Fire Service Calls on Public to Exercise Caution

The Fire Service is urging residents and visitors to take particular care and avoid outdoor activities that could accidentally start a fire, including:

1. Avoid activities that can cause fires, such as burning dry grass, branches or garden-cleanup waste; using equipment that produces sparks, including circular saws and welding equipment; using outdoor grills; smoking out beehives; and throwing away lit cigarettes. The burning of agricultural fields is also prohibited during the wildfire-prevention season.
2. Follow wildfire-prevention information available through the Fire Service’s website and its official social-media accounts, including Facebook and X.
3. Immediately report any fire to the Fire Service by calling 199.

Finally, the Fire Service is urging everyone to remain especially vigilant and, in the event of a fire, to follow the instructions of the competent authorities closely for their own safety.

For additional information and self-protection guidelines concerning forest-fire risks, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at civilprotection.gr.