PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SOUTH AEGEAN REGION
“Avoid Dangerous Actions that May Cause Fires – Protection Measures”
The Autonomous Directorate of Civil Protection of the South Aegean Region, due to the occurrence of fires on our islands, urges all citizens, farmers, livestock breeders, and beekeepers in the islands of the South Aegean (Cyclades and Dodecanese) to be particularly careful. Given the climatic factors of the South Aegean (strong winds combined with high temperatures, etc.), everyone should avoid any outdoor activity or work that might cause a fire through negligence and immediately notify the Fire Service of any incident they observe.
We remind you that the new Fire Regulation 9/2024 (Government Gazette 2387/B/2024), which replaces previous Fire Regulations, is in effect from May 1, 2024. This regulation includes:
- Scope of Application:
- General Provisions, Prohibitions, and Restrictions concerning burning (crop residues, prunings, grasslands, pastures, etc.), hot work, smoking out bees, and the use of fire outdoors.
- Measures, Prohibitions, and Restrictions concerning flammable substances, waste, bulky items, sanitary landfills, charcoal kilns, lime kilns, and other laboratory complexes, shooting ranges, the burning of fireworks, flying lanterns, and the use of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuel devices.
- General Prohibitions and Other Actions and Activities in the outdoors and forest environments, agricultural, forestry, and other machinery.
Enforcement and Penalties: The enforcement of these regulations falls under the jurisdiction of the fire authorities. Non-compliance will result in administrative fines as stipulated. Additionally, penalties and sanctions are provided by the Penal Code or Article 26 of Law 2801/2000 (A’ 41), as well as further sanctions from other services such as the Forestry Service, the Directorate of Agricultural Economy and Veterinary, etc.
Guidelines to Avoid Causing Fires:
- Do not perform outdoor hot work that may cause a fire (welding, use of a grinder, or other tools that emit sparks).
- Do not light outdoor barbecues during the summer months in forests or areas with dry grass and branches.
- Avoid smoking out bees and never leave burning remnants in the outdoors, as they may reignite and cause a fire.
- Never burn dry grass, branches, reeds, and garbage outdoors.
- Never throw lit cigarettes and matches out of car windows or in forests.
- Do not leave garbage in the forest, as there is a risk of ignition. Also, do not leave glass bottles, as they may cause fires through solar radiation.
- Do not use fireworks and firecrackers in areas close to forests.
- Never park your vehicle in places with dry grass. Car catalysts remain overheated for a long time after the engine is turned off, posing a fire hazard.
- Be aware that sparks from vehicle exhausts of all types can create favorable conditions for a fire.
- Always comply with no-entry signs in forests during high-risk periods.
Lastly, please be informed that on the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection (http://civilprotection.gr/el- Instructions for Protection- Forest Fires) and on the website of the South Aegean Region (https://www.pnai.gov.gr/archives/16891 – Civil Protection Issues) there are posted instructions for protection from forest fires.
Ermoupoli, June 18, 2024
