Greece orders vacant land cleanup to reduce wildfire risk

The Greek government set a deadline of 22 June for owners, tenants and usufructuaries of vacant lots and uncovered areas to carry out mandatory cleaning for the upcoming fire‑season. The cleared state must be maintained through 31 October. Cleaning requires the removal of dry trees, branches, dead grass, shrub‑growth and other flammable material, as well as pruning and thinning of vegetation. Exemptions apply to landscaped or cultivated garden areas and planted surfaces of buildings.

Non‑compliance triggers fines ranging from €200 to €2,000 per square metre, with additional penalties of €500 for failure to clean and €100 for partial compliance. False declarations may incur a €5,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment. Municipalities are authorized to perform the cleaning and charge the responsible parties. The Ministry of Civil Protection noted that “a clean plot can prevent the transmission of fire from one property to another and give valuable time to fire‑fighting forces.”