Greek authorities are urging caution as a high risk of wildfires threatens ten regions today, Saturday, June 8th, 2024. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has classified the following areas as “high risk”:
- Attica
- South Evia
- Cyclades Islands
- Crete
- Karpathos Island
- Kasos Island
- Samos Island
- Ikaria Island
- Chios Island
- Psara Island
How to Prevent Fires:
- Avoid burning trash or yard debris during the summer months.
- Refrain from using outdoor grills in forests or areas with dry vegetation.
- Steer clear of activities that could spark fires, such as welding or using tools that generate sparks.
- Properly dispose of cigarette butts – don’t litter!
- Don’t leave trash in forests, as it can easily ignite.
- Respect fire access restrictions during high-risk periods.
Protecting Your Home:
- Clear at least a 10-meter radius of dry leaves, pine needles, and branches to create a firebreak around your property.
- Prune trees up to 3 meters high, depending on their age and condition.
- Remove dead branches from trees and shrubs.
- Ensure tree branches don’t touch your house walls, roof, or balconies. Prune them to maintain a 5-meter distance from the house.
- Thin out dense vegetation so branches from different trees are at least 3 meters apart. For even greater protection, clear vegetation around your home by at least 10 meters, as long as it complies with forestry regulations.
- Avoid using plastic gutters or pipes on your house walls.
- Don’t install flammable window blinds.
- Ensure chimney and vent covers are made of fire-resistant materials to prevent sparks from entering.
- Store flammable objects away from your house.
- Keep firewood in enclosed and protected areas.
- Don’t build exposed fuel tanks near your home.
- Invest in appropriate fire extinguishers and maintain them regularly.
- Have a hose long enough to reach all areas around your house.
- Consider a simple, non-electric water pump and hose for additional water access.
In Case of Fire:
- Immediately call the Fire Department (199) and provide clear details about:
- Your location and specific point of reference.
- The location, exact spot, and direction of the fire.
- The type of vegetation burning.
If the Fire Approaches Your Home:
- Stay calm.
- Move all flammable materials away from your house to a safe, enclosed area.
- Seal all openings (chimneys, windows, doors) to prevent smoke from entering.
- Shut off natural gas and liquid fuel supplies inside and outside your house.
- Retract awnings from balconies and windows.
- Open the garden gate to facilitate access for fire trucks.
- Place a ladder on the outside of your house, opposite the fire’s direction, for easy roof access.
- Connect hoses and lay them flat to cover the house’s perimeter.
- If visibility is reduced, turn on your house’s interior and exterior lights to be seen through the smoke.
After the Fire Passes:
- Leave your home and extinguish any remaining small fires.
- Regularly check the house’s perimeter and exterior for signs of rekindling for at least 48 hours.
Evacuation Orders:
- If authorities order an evacuation, strictly follow their instructions and designated escape routes.