High fire risk in Greece. “I appeal to all citizens to be vigilant

High air temperatures combined with a lack of rainfall mean that the risk of fires breaking out in Greece is very high.

– From Sunday, August 11 to Thursday, August 15, the country will experience dangerous weather conditions that could lead to forest fires. We expect a combination of very strong winds and drought, said Greek Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Defense Vasilis Kikilias, quoted by AMNA.

As reported by the minister, the wind could reach a force of 6 to 7 on the Beaufort scale, with gusts of up to 8. – As a result, half of Greece will be in the “red zone” of fire danger – added Kikilias.

The map below, published by the General Secretariat of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Emergencies and Civil Protection, shows that extreme fire risks are forecast for Attica (except for the island of Kythira), Central Greece, the Peloponnese and Crete.

Vasilis Kikilias said that due to the high fire risk, he had requested the implementation of emergency measures concerning the army, police, volunteers, fire brigade and local authorities. “I appeal to all citizens to be vigilant and take the greatest responsibility, because we have a very difficult week ahead of us,” he added. On August 15, Greece celebrates the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, and many residents of the country go on vacation during this period. The police announced increased precautions on the roads due to mass travel.

The authorities appeal to citizens to be especially careful in the coming week and not to perform activities such as burning dry grass and branches, using machines that produce sparks (e.g. circular saws, welding equipment), grilling outdoors, throwing cigarette butts.