From today, Sunday, June 28, the high temperatures and strong Meltemi winds in the Aegean Sea have raised the fire risk on Thassos and the Northern Aegean islands to level 3 (High).

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

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.