Authorities report that on Tuesday, August 26, the wildfire risk will be focused in the south-eastern mainland and the Aegean islands.

The regions of High risk include Attica, Central Greece,  Evia, Eastern Peloponnese and the majority of the Aegean islands, excluding Thassos and Samothraki and as well as the Ionian islands of Kefalonia and Zakinthos.

However, the risk level has been raised to Very High on the Aegean islands of Chios, Icaria, Samos, Karpathos, Kasos and Eastern Crete.

The public is asked to continue to be extra vigilant and careful, especially when disposing of cigarettes.

Blue areas – medium risk

Yellow areas – high fire risk

Orange areas – very high risk

Red areas – extreme risk

The strict rules to be followed by the public are:-

• Fires to dispose of household and garden waste are forbidden from May 1 until October 31.
• The lighting of outdoor grills/BBQs in the countryside, or in areas with dry grass, is prohibited.
• Do not throw away lit cigarettes in rural areas, especially from vehicles as these can cause fires at the roadside that can rapidly spread.
• Do not leave rubbish in forested areas, as this can lead to spontaneous ignition.
• Do not park vehicles over dry foliage, as hot exhausts can cause fires.
• Fireworks and flying lanterns are banned.

Contravention of the rules can incur heavy fines or even imprisonment.

Respect any prohibitions of access to high-risk areas, such as forests, when introduced.

If you see smoke, flames, or anything that could lead to a fire, call the Fire Department immediately on 199 or 112

• Do not assume that someone else has raised the alarm.
• Do not hang up the phone before giving all the necessary information, including:
  – your location and the location of the fire
  – the direction of the fire
  – the intensity of the wind in the area
  – the type of vegetation that is burning
• Do not block access to forested areas