Greece braces for 'most dangerous day' of fire season amid extreme conditions

Greece faces its most perilous day of the fire season on Wednesday, July 22, as scientists warn of extreme pyrometeorological conditions. A potent heatwave is set to grip the country, prompting authorities to place the National Civil Protection Mechanism on high alert and activate the 'Red Code' plan. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service has issued an orange warning due to the exceptionally high temperatures.

According to Theodoros Giannaros, a principal researcher at the National Observatory of Athens' Research Institute for Environmental and Sustainable Development, the combination of high temperatures and severe atmospheric dryness in recent days has significantly lowered the ignition threshold for fires. He added that the strong winds forecast for Wednesday will accelerate the spread of any fires that ignite.

"Based on available data, tomorrow is deemed the most dangerous day of the current fire season. We urge everyone to exercise caution and avoid starting fires unnecessarily," Giannaros stated. The warning is in effect from 8:00 AM Wednesday to 3:00 AM Thursday.

The FLAME pyrometeorological team at the National Observatory of Athens noted that dead forest fuel is expected to have extremely low moisture content (5%-7%). Winds will blow from the west and southwest at 5 to 6 Beaufort, reaching 7 to 8 Beaufort in some areas. Gusts could exceed 80-90 kilometers per hour, with winds shifting to northwest in the afternoon and remaining strong late into the night.

Dangerous conditions are anticipated in Kilkis, Thessaloniki, Thessaly (southern Larissa, Magnesia, eastern Karditsa and Trikala), Fthiotida, Viotia, Fokida, Attica, Corinthia, Argolida, Arcadia, Laconia, and Achaia. Scientists warn that any fire could spread with extreme speed, generating high thermal loads and intense fire behavior. Locally extreme dry-heat conditions may arise in areas with katabatic winds, further complicating firefighting efforts. Intense fire behavior might persist into the night in some locations. Citizens are urged to avoid any fire-starting activities and remain vigilant.

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The tomorrow's day with the available data is judged as the most dangerous day until today of the fire season. We urge attention to all so that we avoid unnecessary starts of fires.