Athens Closes Lycabettus Hill Amidst Extreme Heatwave and High Fire Risk

Lycabettus Hill in Athens has been closed to the public starting midnight due to an extreme fire risk, as the region faces soaring temperatures. The Greek capital is currently under a Category 5 alert, the highest level, signaling a critical situation for potential wildfires.

The Municipality of Athens has enacted stringent measures to prevent fires, prohibiting entry and vehicle passage to Lycabettus and Finopoulou Hills. To bolster fire protection efforts, the municipality is activating its contractor registry and deploying specialized equipment, including water cannon vehicles and 4x4 units, to vulnerable areas like Lycabettus Hill and the Municipal Camps in Agios Andreas, Attica.

In response to the heatwave, seven Friendship Clubs across Athens will extend their operating hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving as air-conditioned havens for residents. These facilities will also receive supplies of water, beverages, and protective kits from the Municipal Center for the Homeless and Day Center.

Additionally, the municipality has implemented special working hours for waste collection services. To protect sanitation workers from the extreme heat, residents are urged not to place trash in bins between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Directorate of Cleaning and Recycling is operating under modified schedules, prioritizing the health and safety of its employees while ensuring essential city services continue uninterrupted.

The city remains on high operational alert, with cleaning and green space directorates maintaining 24-hour readiness. Municipal police are patrolling high-risk areas, utilizing drones equipped with thermal cameras for enhanced surveillance.