Greece on High Alert for Wildfires Across 19 Regions
Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Greece faces a high fire risk on Friday, August 21, across 19 regions, including Attica and the Peloponnese.
- The General Secretariat for Civil Protection urges citizens to avoid outdoor activities that could spark fires, such as burning dry vegetation or using machinery that creates sparks.
- Citizens are reminded that burning fields is prohibited during the fire season and are urged to immediately report any fires to the Fire Service at 199.
Greece is on high alert for wildfires, with a significant risk predicted for Friday, August 21, across 19 regions. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has issued a strong warning, classifying areas like Attica, the Peloponnese, and several islands as being at high risk (category 3).
The advisory emphasizes that citizens must avoid any outdoor activities that could inadvertently start a fire. This includes burning dry grass, branches, or debris, and operating machinery that could produce sparks, such as chainsaws and welding equipment. The use of outdoor grills and smoking are also flagged as particularly dangerous.
Authorities have reiterated the ban on burning fields during the active fire season. In the event of a fire, the public is instructed to immediately contact the Fire Service at 199, providing the most accurate location details possible. The warning aims to prevent accidental ignitions and ensure a swift response to any outbreaks.
Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.