Greece faces very high wildfire risk as heat, fuel and winds converge

Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tourna warned that Greece is entering a period of very high wildfire risk. He cited three reinforcing factors: unusually high temperatures, an increased amount of combustible material left from heavy winter rains, and strong winds that can accelerate fire spread. The authorities report 30‑40 forest fires daily, many caused by human negligence during agricultural or livestock work.

The Fire Service’s risk map places Attica and Argolis in the highest danger category, along with several eastern Aegean islands (Lesbos, Chios, Psara, Samos, Ikaria and the Dodecanese). Additional high‑risk zones include Heraklion, Lassithi, parts of Evia, Corinthia and Boeotia. The government stresses prevention, having allocated over €665 million from the Recovery and Resilience Fund over five years to bolster civil protection, forest services and public awareness. Citizens are urged to clear vegetation on their properties and remain vigilant as windy conditions are expected to worsen in the coming days.