Greece declares "red alert" for fire risk in Attica, Boeotia, and Euboea

Greek authorities have declared a "red alert" for the regions of Attica, Boeotia, and Euboea due to an extremely high risk of wildfires. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection, under the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, has raised risk levels to category 4 for the sixth consecutive day in these areas, including the capital, Athens, ERT News reports.

Safety Measures and Mobilization

Within the framework of the declared alert, the National Civil Protection Mechanism will operate at full capacity. Teams from the fire service, police, and armed forces will conduct ground and air patrols. To minimize risk, precautionary restrictions will be imposed on the movement of vehicles and visitors in forests and other vulnerable areas. Authorities urge residents to avoid any activities that could provoke fires.

Current Situation and Investigations

The warning comes immediately after the containment of a fire near Koropi, southeast of Athens. Flames broke out in low vegetation in the Drigia area around 13:45 local time. The firefighting effort involved 52 firefighters, three specialized forest operation units, 14 vehicles, four helicopters, and two water-bombing aircraft. The operations center used thermal and optical drones for surveillance, and an investigation team is already checking for signs of arson.

In parallel, efforts continue to contain a large fire that started last week in Boeotia and spread into western Attica. According to data from the Copernicus European monitoring system, the flames have already destroyed approximately 14,424 hectares of land.

Tragic Losses in Firefighting Efforts

The situation in Greece is further complicated by an incident on Sunday, in which two pilots—a Greek coordinator and a Dane—died following a collision between two helicopters during firefighting operations.