High Fire Danger Today in Ten Areas of Greece: Safety Tips from Authorities

Greek authorities are urging caution as a high risk of wildfires threatens ten regions today

Greek authorities are urging caution as a high risk of wildfires threatens ten regions today, Saturday, June 8th, 2024. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has classified the following areas as “high risk”:

• Attica
• South Evia
• Cyclades Islands
• Crete
• Karpathos Island
• Kasos Island
• Samos Island
• Ikaria Island
• Chios Island
• Psara Island

How to Prevent Fires:

• Avoid burning trash or yard debris during the summer months.
• Refrain from using outdoor grills in forests or areas with dry vegetation.
• Steer clear of activities that could spark fires, such as welding or using tools that generate sparks.
• Properly dispose of cigarette butts – don’t litter!
• Don’t leave trash in forests, as it can easily ignite.
• Respect fire access restrictions during high-risk periods.

Protecting Your Home:

• Clear at least a 10-meter radius of dry leaves, pine needles, and branches to create a firebreak around your property.
• Prune trees up to 3 meters high, depending on their age and condition.
• Remove dead branches from trees and shrubs.
• Ensure tree branches don’t touch your house walls, roof, or balconies. Prune them to maintain a 5-meter distance from the house.
• Thin out dense vegetation so branches from different trees are at least 3 meters apart. For even greater protection, clear vegetation around your home by at least 10 meters, as long as it complies with forestry regulations.
• Avoid using plastic gutters or pipes on your house walls.
• Don’t install flammable window blinds.
• Ensure chimney and vent covers are made of fire-resistant materials to prevent sparks from entering.
• Store flammable objects away from your house.
• Keep firewood in enclosed and protected areas.
• Don’t build exposed fuel tanks near your home.
• Invest in appropriate fire extinguishers and maintain them regularly.
• Have a hose long enough to reach all areas around your house.
• Consider a simple, non-electric water pump and hose for additional water access.

In Case of Fire:

• Immediately call the Fire Department (199) and provide clear details about:
  • Your location and specific point of reference.
  • The location, exact spot, and direction of the fire.
  • The type of vegetation burning.

If the Fire Approaches Your Home:

• Stay calm.
• Move all flammable materials away from your house to a safe, enclosed area.
• Seal all openings (chimneys, windows, doors) to prevent smoke from entering.
• Shut off natural gas and liquid fuel supplies inside and outside your house.
• Retract awnings from balconies and windows.
• Open the garden gate to facilitate access for fire trucks.
• Place a ladder on the outside of your house, opposite the fire’s direction, for easy roof access.
• Connect hoses and lay them flat to cover the house’s perimeter.
• If visibility is reduced, turn on your house’s interior and exterior lights to be seen through the smoke.

After the Fire Passes:

• Leave your home and extinguish any remaining small fires.
• Regularly check the house’s perimeter and exterior for signs of rekindling for at least 48 hours.

Evacuation Orders:

• If authorities order an evacuation, strictly follow their instructions and designated escape routes.