Greece on high alert as wildfire risk reaches very high level

Greece will remain on high alert for wildfires on August 16, with authorities issuing a Category 4, or very high, fire danger warning for Attica, including the island of Kythira; the regions of Viotia and Evia, including Skyros; the Cyclades islands; and Crete.

The Red Code warning requires the full mobilization of emergency personnel and equipment, while local and regional authorities have been instructed to activate emergency coordination bodies and prepare for possible forest fires, Caliber.Az reports via Greek media.

The national weather service forecast mostly clear skies, with northerly winds reaching 6 to 7 on the Beaufort scale in the Aegean and locally stronger winds in eastern Greece. Winds are expected to weaken later on August 16.

Strong winds are forecast to persist on August 17, particularly across the Aegean, while temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are also possible in mountainous areas.

Authorities called on residents and visitors to remain vigilant and refrain from any activities that could trigger wildfires amid continuing hot, dry weather and strong winds.

By Jeyhun Aghazada