Library video

Authorities warn that 5 regions of Greece are at very high risk of wildfires on Tuesday, July 29. These are Crete, the Peloponese, Attica, Central Greece and Evia.

However, large parts of the country are still at a high threat level, including the island of Rhodes.

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

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