Athens: Filopappou Hill closed with drones

Filopappou Hill remained closed to all activities Sunday 9 August noon, following a City of Athens decision that took effect from midnight Saturday 8 August. The measure was taken due to very high fire risk and strong winds blowing across the basin. The city placed its services on heightened alert simultaneously.

Municipal Police conducted increased patrols on the city’s hills and green spaces, while the operational plan included the use of unmanned aircraft with thermal cameras for early detection of fire outbreaks. The Municipal Police Operations Center operates around the clock in direct communication with the Fire Service, ensuring every report of smoke or fire is forwarded without delay.

Deputy Mayor for Civil Protection of Athens Andreas Grammatikoyiannis stated to radio station Athens 9.84 ‘We are on alert,’ describing the readiness of services. He noted that air-conditioned spaces would be opened in all municipal districts when temperature exceeds 38 degrees Celsius, while residents with health problems can contact the 1595 hotline for assistance and information.

The city categorically recommends citizens to avoid work in outdoor spaces that produce sparks or open flame. The list includes electric welding, oxy-fuel welding, metal cutting with grinders and flamethrower use. These are tasks that under conditions of high temperatures and dry vegetation can cause fire even in urban environments, far from forest areas.

Athens hills function daily as walking and exercise areas for thousands of residents, so closure directly affects the routine of surrounding neighborhoods. At the same time, simultaneous management of fire risk and high temperature forces the city to maintain two different fronts open—one preventive for fire and one supportive for vulnerable populations.

The 08:00 Sunday 9 August bulletin confirmed that air-conditioned rooms would remain open if needed across all seven municipal districts. No specific time limit has been announced for the duration of the ban on Filopappou Hill, nor whether the measure will extend to other hills in the city. It also remains unclear how many drones are available and in which areas they operate by priority.

Lifting or extending measures depends on the evolution of the daily fire risk forecast map and wind intensity over the coming days. The city announces changes through official channels, while the 1595 line remains available for heat-related support requests. Residents are urged to check updates before planning visits to hills and green spaces.