Because of the ongoing risk of fire, the no-fires season in Greece – which normally ends on 31st October – is being extended for another two weeks to 15th November in many parts of the country, including Crete. In a press release published on 31st October, the Fire Service states:
Pursuing its continuous activities of information and awareness raising for citizens, the Fire Service announces that the prohibition on the use of fire is extended until 15th November 2024 in the following areas:
— the Region of Attica (8 different areas)
— the Region of Western Greece
— the Region of the Peloponnese (4 different areas)
— the Region of the Ionian Islands (3 different areas)
— the Region of the North Aegean
— the Region of the South Aegean
— the Region of Crete
— the Region of Thessaly
— the Region of Central Greece (4 different areas)
— the Region of Central Macedonia
— the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, including the islands of Thasos and Samothraki.
Consequently, in the above areas, extensive checks and patrols will be continued, to avoid the outbreak and spread of fire and to ensure the strict observance of Fire Regulation 9/2024 regarding “the prevention and avoidance of the spread of fire in woods and woodland, pasture and agricultural plots, parks in urban and built-up areas, specially protected areas and other areas close to the above as well as building plots”. Failure to observe the provisions of the said Fire Regulation will result in heavy administrative fines as provided for in Fire Regulation 19/2024. The new penal code also provides for severe criminal penalties.
Demonstrating that the danger of fire is still very much present, a Fire Service graphic shows the number of forest fires occurring in the 24-hour period from 6.00 pm on 31st October to 6.00 pm on 1st November, namely:
“– 42 agricultural and forest fires have broken out in the last 24 hours
— 38 were immediately brought under control
— 4 are still being fought.”
Photo: Fire Service press office.
Our fellow citizens are strongly advised:
— to be especially careful and to avoid any open air activity which could cause a fire;
— to consult the local Fire Services regarding:
* any activities and forms of work in the countryside which are forbidden or permitted only under certain conditions,
* the implementation of prescribed measures and methods of fire protection, as well as any other relevant information;
— to follow any relevant announcements about forest fires on the Fire Service website at www.fireservice.gr;
— to seek guidance on personal protection from the dangers of forest fires on the website of the ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection at www.civilprotection.gr.
If you see smoke, flames or anything which could result in a fire:
— IMMEDIATELY phone the Fire Service on 199 or 112 and give clear information about:
* the location and the exact point where you are,
* the exact point and the direction of the fire,
* the strength of the wind in the area,
* the kind of vegetation that is burning.
— Immediately leave the area and closely follow the instructions of the relevant authorities.
The protection of human life and our natural wealth is a matter for all of us!