Authorities are being placed on heightened alert, as an extreme fire risk (Category 5) is forecast for tomorrow, Saturday, August 29, in parts of Crete, Rhodes and Karpathos. At the same time, Attica and several other areas of the country are classified as Category 4, indicating a very high fire risk.

According to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, an alert situation — Risk Category 5 — is forecast for:

• the Region of Crete
• the Regional Unit of Rhodes
• the Regional Unit of Karpathos

[Extreme fire risk in Crete, Rhodes and Karpathos; very high risk in Attica and four other areas]

The following areas are classified as being at very high fire risk (Category 4):

• the Region of Attica, including the island of Kythira
• the Regional Unit of Evia
• the Regional Units of Lesbos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria
• the Cyclades, as well as the Regional Units of Kalymnos and Kos
• the Regional Unit of Laconia

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has informed the relevant government agencies, as well as the regional and municipal authorities in the above areas, so that they can remain on heightened civil protection alert and respond immediately to any potential fire incidents.

At the same time, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection advises citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid activities in rural areas that could accidentally cause a fire, such as burning dry grass, branches or garden waste; using equipment that can produce sparks, such as circular saws and welding equipment; using outdoor grills; smoking bees; or discarding lit cigarettes. Citizens are also reminded that agricultural burning is prohibited during the fire-prevention season.

If they spot a fire, citizens are asked to immediately notify the Fire Service by calling 199.

For more information and guidance on protecting yourself from the risks of wildfires, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at civilprotection.gov.gr.