Greek authorities warned of a very high risk of forest fires today on the islands of Crete, Karpathos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria, urging residents and visitors to avoid outdoor activities that could spark fires, the online edition of the Greek newspaper “Kathimerini“ reported, BTA reported.
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection said that regional and local authorities in the affected areas were put on high alert, with the presence of firefighters, police and military patrols on the ground and in the air increased.
The warning corresponds to a risk level of 4 on the country's five-point fire danger scale. Firefighters in these regions remain on partial alert to respond to potential outbreaks, the fire service said.
Civil protection officials have urged the public to avoid burning dry vegetation, operating machinery that could cause sparks, using outdoor grills or smoking in beehives. Throwing lit cigarettes on the ground is also strictly prohibited.
Preventive restrictions on vehicle access and visitors to forests, national parks and other vulnerable areas will also be implemented under Greece's civil protection plan.
Greek authorities have urged citizens to immediately alert the fire service in the event of a fire by calling the emergency number 199.
Two devastating wildfires on Chios in June and August destroyed vast areas of land and wildlife habitat, burning 28,250 acres – about 13.6 percent of the island's territory, recalls “Kathimerini“.