Greek authorities on Monday placed nine additional regions under a very high wildfire risk alert (Category 4), expanding heightened fire precautions as hot, dry conditions persist.
The affected areas are Arcadia, Laconia, Aetolia-Acarnania, Achaea, Phocis, Evia, Thessaly, Kilkis, Thessaloniki and the island of Rhodes.
State agencies, regional authorities and municipalities have been placed on increased alert to respond rapidly to any outbreaks.
Civil Protection officials urged residents and visitors to avoid activities that could spark fires, including burning vegetation, using equipment that produces sparks, lighting outdoor barbecues or discarding lit cigarettes.
The Fire Service can be reached at 199 to report wildfires.
