Tuesday, July 21 – This week sees a critical combination prevail: extreme heat and locally strong Meltemi winds, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires occurring and spreading rapidly. At the same time, temperatures this week are expected to reach 40°C or higher in some regions. However, in the Aegean, the Meltemi will continue to hold temperatures lower.

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.