Very high fire risk forecast for Crete and North Aegean islands

Authorities have issued a severe fire risk warning for several Greek regions, with a "very high" danger level (Category 4) predicted for Thursday, July 16. The affected areas include the entire island of Crete and the islands within the North Aegean region, specifically Chios, Samos, and Ikaria.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection, operating under the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, released the fire risk map detailing the elevated threat. In response, all relevant state services, regional authorities, and municipalities within the designated areas have been notified and placed on a heightened state of civil protection readiness. This ensures they are prepared to respond immediately to any potential fire outbreaks.

The Fire Service has announced that the second stage of operational readiness remains in effect. This includes an increase in aerial surveillance patrols and intensified ground patrols by firefighting, police, and military forces. Personnel within the fire services of the affected regional units are on partial alert to manage the anticipated increase in operational demands due to the high fire risk.

Furthermore, a civil protection action plan for forest fire risks is active. This plan includes measures such as the preventative prohibition of vehicle traffic and the restriction of public access to national parks, forests, and other "vulnerable" areas. The Fire Service is appealing to the public for utmost caution, urging citizens to avoid any actions that could inadvertently start a fire, such as burning dry vegetation, using machinery that sparks, or discarding cigarettes carelessly. They also reminded the public that burning fields is prohibited during the fire season.