From today, June 18, the recent instability in the weather across Greece will start to decrease as the northerly winds in the Aegean Sea gradually strengthen. This trend will become even more noticeable from Friday onwards, increasing at the same time the risk of wildfires occurring and spreading. Already, several eastern regions of the country have raised the fire risk to category 3 (high risk of fires).

According to meteorologists, the weather across Greece for the next four days will be characterised by the prevalence of strong northerly winds in the Aegean, the limitation of instability and the increased risk of fires due to the existing 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