Explosive cocktail of heat and drought on Friday – Very high fire risk

A very high risk of fire (risk category 4) is predicted tomorrow in the Regional Units of Evros and Rodopi, as per the Fire Risk Prediction Map issued by the General Secretariat of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.

Additionally, temperatures will rise significantly on Friday, reaching the 40s in even more areas.

The General Secretariat of Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) has notified the relevant government departments, regions (Region of An. Macedonia-Thrace), and municipalities in the affected areas to be on heightened civil protection alert to respond swiftly to any fire incidents.

Citizens are advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid activities in rural areas that could inadvertently start fires, such as burning dry grass and branches, using machinery that generates sparks like circular saws and welding devices, using outdoor barbecues, smoking out bees, and discarding lit cigarettes. It is also reminded that burning fields is prohibited during the fire season.

The Fire Brigade will remain at the 2nd stage of operational readiness, with aerial surveillance patrols and patrols by fire, police, and military forces continuing.

Furthermore, the personnel of the Fire Services in the specified Regional Units will remain on partial alert to meet the increased service demands that may arise due to the very high fire risk (risk category 4).

For these areas, the Civil Protection Action Plan for forest fire risk management is still in effect. This plan includes measures such as the preventive prohibition of vehicle traffic and the presence of visitors in national parks, forests, and other “vulnerable” areas.

At the same time, the Fire Brigade appeals to citizens:

– To be particularly careful and avoid any activity that could cause a fire outbreak.

– Monitor the forest fire prevention information available on the Fire Department’s website and official Fire Department, Facebook and Twitter accounts.

– If they become aware of a fire, immediately notify the Fire Department at the 199 call number.

For more information and instructions on how to protect themselves from the dangers of forest fires, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at www.civilprotection.gr.

Friday’s forecast from the National Weather Service

High temperatures mainly in the mainland. Generally clear weather. Clouds will develop in the midday and afternoon hours on the mainland, so there is a possibility of local rain in the mountains. Winds will blow in the west west west northwest 3 to 4 Beaufort, in the east from the north 4 to 6 and locally in the Aegean Sea occasionally up to 7 Beaufort.

The temperature will not change significantly and will be high in several areas of the mainland. It will reach 38 to 40 degrees Celsius in the mainland and 41 degrees Celsius in some places. It should be noted that in coastal areas, due to the sea breeze, maximum values will be 3 to 5 degrees lower. In the island country the temperature will reach 32 to 34 degrees Celsius and in some places on the Ionian Islands, the eastern Aegean and southern Crete 36 to 38 degrees Celsius.

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