A to Z Guides Blog

Saturday, August 29 – The Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection warns that the current extreme heat and locally strong Meltemi winds will significantly increase the risk of wildfires and their rapid spread.

At the same time, temperatures are expected to reach the high 30s to 40°C in many regions. However, in the North Aegean, the Meltemi will continue to hold temperatures in the low 30s.

On Crete, the islands of Kasos, Karpathos and Rhodes, the risk of wildfires on Saturday will be at a critical level.

From Sunday, a gradual weakening of the Meltemi winds will see a slight increase in temperatures to 36/37°C in the North Aegean.

Yellow – High Fire Risk

Orange – Very High Fire Risk

Red – Critical Fire Risk

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:-

• Lighting 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 they can cause roadside fires that can spread rapidly.
• 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.