Greece Launches Checks on Uncleared Plots Amid Fire Risk

Greece has initiated checks on uncleared plots of land across the country, following the submission of 765,489 cleaning declarations on the platform akatharista.gov.gr. The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection noted a significant increase in citizen participation in fire prevention efforts compared to the previous year.

However, the ministry highlighted that numerous private and public spaces have yet to be cleared. This situation necessitates ongoing prevention measures throughout the fire season to mitigate the risk of wildfires. Municipalities bear the primary responsibility for conducting inspections and enforcing necessary measures, while fire services will investigate complaints and report hazardous areas to the relevant municipalities.

Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Evangelos Tournas, emphasized that prevention is a continuous effort. He urged private citizens and municipalities to maintain cleared spaces throughout the summer. "If we work now to remove combustible material and reduce the risk, then we will achieve a better result. Our goal is for cleanups to become a culture and an obligation for all of us," Tournas stated, underscoring the importance of collaboration. The ministry will closely monitor the progress of inspections and interventions nationwide, aiming to reduce combustible materials and enhance the protection of citizens, property, and the natural environment during the critical fire season.