Greece intensifies inspections of uncleared land to prevent wildfires

Greek municipalities and the Fire Service are intensifying inspections of uncleared land parcels to mitigate wildfire risks following recent major fires in Attica, Boeotia, and Euboea. Following the expiration of cleaning deadlines, authorities are conducting targeted and random inspections, particularly in areas adjacent to forests or in high-risk zones.

Inspections are facilitated through several methods, including citizen complaints via a specialized electronic platform and operational patrols by the Fire Service. More than 300 municipalities are now connected to a digital management platform for declarations and complaints. Data indicates that over 765,000 cleaning declarations were submitted by the deadline this year.

If an inspection confirms a property remains uncleared, the municipality has the authority to carry out the cleaning work itself using municipal crews or contractors to remove dry grass, branches, and other flammable vegetation. Approximately 8,000 complaints regarding uncleared land have been filed since the beginning of the year, with more than half leading to official inspections by the Fire Service.