Minister Urges Vigilance as Greece Faces Heightened Forest Fire Risk

Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias issued a stern warning on Friday, urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with authorities due to the heightened risk of forest fires across the country. His statement came ahead of a coordination meeting with all relevant agencies.

“From tonight through Saturday and continuing until Sunday afternoon, nearly half of the country will be in the orange zone for forest fire danger due to gale-force winds ranging from 7-8, and in some places, even 9 Beaufort,” Minister Kikilias stated.

The affected regions include Mytilene, Chios, Samos, Ikaria, all the Cyclades islands, Evia, Viotia up to Livadia, Attica, Corinth, Arcadia, Argolida, Lakonia, Kythera, and Crete.

Minister Kikilias emphasized the need for public cooperation, stating, “We urge everyone to cooperate fully with state machinery, which will be on high alert and fully prepared. Together, we can navigate these challenging weather conditions and prevent fires.”

According to the Fire Danger Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat of the Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry, a very high fire risk (category 4) is forecasted for the following areas on Saturday:

• Region of Attica (including the island of Kythera)
• Peloponnese Region (Korinthos, Argolis, Arcadia, Laconia)
• Region of Crete
• North Aegean Region (Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria)
• South Aegean Region (Cyclades)
• Region of Central Greece (Boeotia, Fokis, Fthiotida, Evia)

The General Secretariat of Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) has alerted the relevant state agencies, regions, and municipalities in these areas to be on high alert to respond promptly to any fire incidents.

Stay updated and follow the instructions from local authorities to ensure safety during this critical period.