According to the Fire Risk Prediction Map issued by the General Secretariat of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr), high fire risk (risk category 3) is forecast today for Thessaloniki and Halkidiki.
Read: House fire in Vrilissia: Two elderly people rescued, 12 firefighters with six vehicles at the scene
The risk of wildfires is increased in many areas of the country due to extremely high temperatures and the heatwave, with authorities on high alert. Specifically, the General Secretariat of Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection has informed the competent state services, as well as the Regions and Municipalities of the above areas, to be on heightened civil protection readiness to immediately respond to any fire incidents.
At the same time, the General Secretariat of Civil Protection advises citizens to be particularly careful and avoid activities in rural areas that could cause fires due to negligence, such as burning dry grass and branches or cleaning debris, using machinery that causes sparks such as angle grinders, welding equipment, using outdoor barbecues, smoking beehives, throwing lit cigarettes, etc. It is also reminded that during the fire prevention period, field burning is prohibited.
In case they notice a fire, citizens are asked to immediately notify the Fire Service at emergency number 199.
For more information and self-protection instructions from the dangers of wildfires, citizens can visit the General Secretariat of Civil Protection website at civilprotection.gov.gr.
