Category 3 fire risk in 22 areas

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection placed 22 areas of the country in category 3, meaning high risk of fire outbreak, for Friday 11 September 2026, according to a report by Eleftheros Typos. The risk map includes Attica, Boeotia, Evia, Corinthia, Argolis, Laconia, Arcadia, Achaea, Aetolia-Acarnania, Preveza, Thesprotia, Rhodope, Evros, Phthiotis, Magnesia, the Dodecanese, Heraklion, Lasithi and the islands of the North Aegean. At the same time, the Region of Peloponnese separately announced a high fire risk for the Regional Units of Argolis, Corinthia and Laconia for the same day, asking residents for increased vigilance.

The fire-risk forecast scale maintained by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection includes five categories, from 1, corresponding to low risk, to 5, corresponding to very high risk, with category 3 already signalling increased danger. This classification did not remain theoretical. The same day saw two fires break out in areas included on the high-risk list: one at Partheni in Aliveri, Evia, and one at Palaiokipos in Lesvos, which falls within the wider North Aegean. In both cases the Fire Service mobilised significant forces, while messages were sent via 112 to residents of the surrounding areas.

For residents and visitors in the 22 areas, a category-3 classification means increased vigilance in everyday activities that can start a fire, such as lighting fires outdoors, smoking in forested areas, or working with machinery in agricultural land. The Fire Service reminds the public that a ban on burning grass, branches and crop residue is in effect throughout the fire season, a measure aimed precisely at preventing incidents like those recorded in Evia and Lesvos. Following the guidance is considered crucial on days with such extensive geographical coverage of high risk, especially in areas with dense forest vegetation and strong tourist interest. Civil protection experts also recommend avoiding the use of spark-producing machinery near dry vegetation, as well as immediately notifying the Fire Service at 199 at the first sign of smoke.

The authorities are expected to continue issuing the daily risk map, which sets the heightened readiness measures for fire services in each area. The Region of Peloponnese, like other regions under high risk, is expected to keep civil protection mechanisms on standby over the coming days, depending on how weather conditions develop. Citizens are urged to follow announcements from the General Secretariat for Civil Protection and to avoid any activity that could be a source of ignition, especially during the hours of strongest sunshine. Cooperation between citizens and authorities remains crucial for limiting the consequences on days like Friday 11 September 2026, when the risk covers both mainland and island areas of the country.