The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has voiced serious concern over the large number of agricultural and forest fires that broke out within a few hours of each other across Greece on Saturday, with the region of Central Macedonia, in the north of the country, at the centre of the authorities’ operational response.

In total, 37 wildfires broke out across various parts of Greece on Saturday, July 11, despite the fact that the daily fire danger index was not rated at a very high risk level.

The majority of the blazes were recorded in Central Macedonia, a concentration that has raised reasonable concern among officials. The clustering of so many incidents in a single geographic area, regardless of whether the fires remain active or have already been brought under control, underlines the heightened operational pressure the region is currently facing.

Combination of factors increases risk

According to the relevant authorities, the sheer number of fires, combined with high temperatures, dry vegetation, strong winds and intense human activity, has created a particularly dangerous environment. Even a minor incident can quickly escalate into a large, difficult-to-manage fire, requiring the immediate deployment of ground and aerial firefighting resources.

In recent days, the wider Thessaloniki area, Greece’s second-largest city, has faced severe fires that forced authorities to mobilise substantial firefighting resources, with the 112 emergency alert system activated in some cases to inform the public and pre-emptively evacuate areas deemed at risk.

112 alerts issued where deemed necessary

On Saturday, 112 alerts were again issued in affected areas, both to inform residents immediately and to evacuate citizens as a precaution where the relevant authorities recommended it.

The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection stressed that heightened preparedness should not be reserved only for days rated at very high risk. The large number of fires breaking out in a single day, it said, demonstrates that prevention and responsible behaviour remain critical throughout the fire season.

Investigations into the causes of the fires

Meanwhile, local Arson Investigation Teams from the Arson Crimes Division (D.A.E.E.) of the Hellenic Fire Service have taken charge of investigating the causes of the fires. Inquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances under which the multiple incidents occurred.

The photo accompanying this article is a file photo