Wednesday, July 29 – The Ministry of  Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has issued a warning that tomorrow, Thursday, July 30, the high temperatures combined with the seasonal Meltemi winds mean that the fire risk on the island of Thassos continues to be at level 3 High.

Due to the hazardous conditions, the public is being asked to be extra careful and vigilant, as people cause the vast majority of wildfires!

The rules to be followed are:-

• The lighting of outdoor grills/BBQs in the countryside, or in areas with dry grass, is prohibited.
• Tasks that could cause a fire (eg welding, welding or other tools that create sparks) are banned in rural areas.
• 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.

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

Tourists are also being asked not to enter the forests on the island of Thassos, either independently or with organised safaris.