Greece is bracing for a heightened risk of wildfires on Saturday, with tinderbox conditions forecast for much of the south and the islands.
The warning comes in the wake of a devastating wildfire that ravaged northeastern Attica last week, scorching 10,000 hectares of land and reaching the outskirts of Athens.
Authorities have implemented precautionary measures, including a ban on vehicle and pedestrian access in national parks and high-risk areas. Activities such as barbecues and the use of machinery that could cause sparks are also prohibited.
On Saturday, two significant wildfires broke out.
The first, in the northwest prefecture of Kozani near the Monastery of St. Cosmas the Aetolian, saw a deployment of 37 firefighters, nine fire engines, two ground units, municipal crews, and three aircraft.
The second major fire erupted in the extreme northwest border prefecture of Thesprotia, specifically at the Palabas site within the municipality of Filiates.
In response to the ongoing wildfire threat, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias convened a meeting with ministry officials and mayors of affected municipalities to discuss measures for swift damage restoration.
The interior ministry has already disbursed 4.7 million euros in emergency funding to eight municipalities, with further compensation approved for households and businesses.
Meantime, the environment ministry reported progress in reforestation and restoration efforts in northern Evia Island, which was severely impacted by wildfires in 2021.
Thousands of Black Pine seedlings are scheduled to be planted this autumn, with thousands more being cultivated in nurseries. These initiatives, largely funded by the EU's Recovery and Resilience Fund, aim to restore the island's fire-ravaged landscape.