Greece on high alert as extreme wildfire risk forecast

Greece faces an extreme risk of wildfires as strong winds of up to 8 Beaufort are predicted to sweep across the country on Thursday, August 13. The national emergency mechanism is on high alert, anticipating a category 5 fire risk in several areas.

The combination of northerly winds, highly flammable vegetation, and atmospheric dryness has raised serious concerns. Fire-weather conditions are expected to deteriorate further on Thursday and Friday. According to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, an extreme risk is predicted for Attica and the regions of Central Greece, Peloponnese, and North Aegean.

Additionally, a very high fire risk (category 4) is forecast for numerous other regions. The Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Evangelos Tournas, has ordered maximum readiness for the entire state apparatus. This includes the timely deployment of forces to minimize response times and increased preparedness of heavy machinery and water tankers at key locations. He also appealed to citizens to exercise extreme caution.

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The national mechanism is on alert, as extreme fire risk is predicted for several regions of the country.