With the thermometer rising and strong winds blowing, an orange alert was issued today, Tuesday, July 30, for the possible occurrence and spread of fires in much of the country. 8 regions face a very high risk.
In particular, in category 4, according to the General Secretariat Civil Protectionin Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr), are:
- Region of Attica (including the island of Kythira)
- Central Greece Region (PE Boeotia, PE Evia, PE Fthiotida)
- Peloponnese region (Corinthia region, Argolis region, Laconia region)
- Thessaly region (Larissa region, Magnesia region, Sporades region)
- Central Macedonia Region (PE Thessaloniki, PE Kilkis)
- Region of Crete
- Ionian Islands Region (Corfu Prefecture)
- North Aegean region (Lesvos region, Chios region, Samos region, Ikaria region).
The PPG
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has informed the competent state bodies involved in the official service, as well as the Regions and municipalities of the specific areas, to increase the readiness of civil protection in order to immediately face any fire incidents.
At the same time, it recommends that citizens take special care and avoid outdoor actions that could cause fires due to negligence, such as burning dry grass and branches or cleaning waste, using machines that cause sparks such as circular saws, welding devices, using outdoor barbecues, smoking bees, throwing lit cigarettes, etc. It also reminds that during the fire protection season, burning fields is prohibited.
In case of fire, citizens are asked to immediately contact the Fire Department by dialing 199.
For more information and instructions on self-protection against the dangers of forest fires, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at civilprotection.gov.gr.
Fire Department
In Fire Department the 2nd phase of operational readiness is put into practice and aerial surveillance patrols will be carried out, as well as patrols by firefighters, police and military forces.
Furthermore, the Fire Department personnel of the aforementioned Regional Units are placed on partial alert, in order to cope with any increased service demands that may arise.
At the same time, the Civil Protection Action Plan is being implemented for these areas to address the risk of forest fires, according to which, among other things, the preventive measure of banning the circulation of vehicles and the presence of hikers in national forests, forests and “vulnerable” areas will be implemented.
The Fire Department appeals to citizens:
1. Take special care and avoid any activity that could cause fire.
2. Follow the information on forest fire prevention available on the website and on the official Facebook and Twitter accounts of the Fire Department.
3. If you notice a fire, you must immediately notify the Fire Department by dialing 199.
Finally, it asks all citizens to take special care and in the event of a fire, for their own safety, to faithfully follow the instructions of the competent authorities.