Greece on high alert for strong winds and potential fires

Greece is bracing for a day of extreme fire risk on Friday, August 28, as the country's state mechanism is placed on high alert. The heightened danger stems from a combination of prolonged high temperatures and strong winds, which have rendered vegetation dangerously dry and susceptible to ignition.

The Fire Risk Forecast Map indicates an "extreme risk" (Category 5) for several key areas, including the entire region of Crete, with the exception of Chania. The islands of Rhodes and Karpathos are also under this highest alert level. Additionally, a "very high risk" (Category 4) has been issued for the Ionian Islands, parts of Epirus, the North and South Aegean regions, and Chania itself.

In response, the Civil Protection Coordination Body has convened, with Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas emphasizing the challenging conditions. He noted that the dry fuel load across many areas, coupled with strong winds, significantly increases the likelihood of fires starting and spreading rapidly. Consequently, firefighting forces are being redeployed and reinforced in high-risk zones to ensure immediate intervention.

The activation of the "Red Code" signifies a full mobilization of the national civil protection system. Municipalities and regional authorities in affected areas are instructed to convene operational bodies and take all necessary measures. The Fire Service will be on standby, supported by special operational units and aerial surveillance, including the use of drones for continuous monitoring. The Armed Forces, Police, Coast Guard, EKAV ambulance service, Forestry Service, and electricity grid operators are also on alert.

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The conditions remain difficult, as the prolonged heat has made the combustible material very dry in many areas. Combined with strong winds, the risk of a fire breaking out and spreading quickly increases significantly.