A firefighter guides a fire truck at the fire front in Kouvaras, east Attica, on August 10. [Intime News]
Greece is warning of a very high risk of wildfires Friday with the highest alert covering several regions, including the Athens area and popular Aegean islands.
According to the country’s Fire Risk Forecast Map, the warning applies to the Attica region, including Athens; the island of Evia in central Greece; the North Aegean islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria; the Cyclades islands; and Crete.
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has placed state agencies and local authorities in the affected areas on heightened readiness to respond to fires.
Authorities urged residents and visitors to avoid outdoor activities that could accidentally start fires, including burning vegetation, using equipment that produces sparks, outdoor grilling and smoking bees.
