File photo.
Authorities have warned of a very high wildfire risk on Thursday in parts of the country as hot, dry weather and strong northerly winds create favorable conditions for rapidly spreading blazes.
According to the Fire Service’s daily risk map, Level 4 (very high risk) is in effect for the islands of Chios, Psara, Samos and Ikaria, as well as the entire island of Crete. A Level 3 (high risk) alert covers large parts of the mainland and other island regions.
Under a high wildfire risk, authorities urge residents and visitors to avoid any outdoor activity that could ignite dry vegetation, including welding, burning plant cuttings and brush, and using barbecues or other open flames.
The elevated threat comes as temperatures rise above seasonal averages, to reach 33-35 degrees Celsius across most of the country, with highs of 36-38C expected in parts of the mainland and western Greece. Northerly winds of 5-6 Beaufort, strengthening locally to 7 Beaufort in the Aegean, are expected to increase the potential for any fire outbreaks to spread quickly.
