Greek fire forces battled blazes on the islands of Syros, Samos and Evia on Tuesday, and evacuation notifications were sent to locals via the 112 emergency number.
The fire on Syros was reported in low vegetation in the area of Chrousa. Another fire broke out earlier Tuesday on Samos farmland in the Mavratzeoi area. Additionally blazes were reported in Evia, Kavala, Rodopi, Vlacherna near Tripoli (Peloponnese), and Dilesi and Aspropyrgos near Attica. More than 50 fires have broken out since Monday.
Heatwave to Peak on Wed. and Thur.
Greece is currently in the midst of an extended heatwave with temperatures expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday. Earlier on Tuesday, the Greek Labor Ministry announced urgent measures which include limiting or stopping all work between noon and 5 p.m. if temperatures exceed 40 Degrees Celsius for certain work categories, including outdoor manual labor, in the private and public sectors. The regulation will remain in effect until Friday and inspections will be ongoing.
It is reminded that the Athens Municipality has opened seven cooling centers and operating a Heatwave Hotline (210 3638049). Municipal medical centers are open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Greece Fire Risk High
Meanwhile, the country’s Civil Protection authority has issued a Level 4 high fire alert for Wednesday, July 17 for the following areas in Greece: Attica which includes Athens; Corinthia, Argolida and Laconia in the Peloponnese; Viotia, Evia and Fthiotida in Central Greece; the Rodopi – Evros region where last year fires raged for days burning among others the National Forest of Dadia. The 2023 fire was considered the largest recorded in Europe; the islands of Lesvos and Chios in the North Aegean Region and Ilia and Achaia in Western Greece.
Civil Protection is advising residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution in the coming days and to keep informed.
In case of fire dial 199 for the fire service.
Travelers are also advised to avoid strenuous activity such as hiking from noon to 5 p.m. This is what you need to know to stay safe and make the most of your holidays in Greece during a heatwave.
