Nationwide alert and risk classification

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection, operating under the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, has placed state mechanisms across Greece on heightened alert for Monday, 7 September 2026. The Daily Fire Risk Prediction Map published by the agency assigns a Category 4 rating, indicating very high wildfire risk, to ten administrative regions. To manage the elevated threat level, civil protection authorities activated the Red Code mobilization framework across the affected territories. This protocol directs the National Mechanism into full operational posture, mandating the deployment of necessary human resources and specialized equipment before fires ignite. The mobilization also prepares short-term recovery, relief, and support measures designed to mitigate damage if destructive incidents occur.

Affected administrative regions and islands

The Category 4 alert extends across both mainland administrative districts and Aegean island complexes. The territorial scope includes the entire Region of Attica, including the island of Kythira, as well as the complete territories of the Region of Crete, the Region of South Aegean, and the Region of Western Greece. In the Region of Central Greece, the high risk classification applies to the regional units of Boeotia, Phthiotis, and Euboea. In Thessaly, the emergency status covers the regional units of Magnesia and the Sporades archipelago. Authorities in northern Greece placed the regional unit of Chalkidiki in Central Macedonia and the island regional unit of Thasos in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace under the alert. In the Peloponnese, the designation covers Corinthia and Laconia, while the North Aegean Region includes the island units of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, and Ikaria.

Operational protocols and local coordination

Under the Red Code operational status, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection notified all relevant state agencies, regional administrations, and municipalities to maintain immediate operational readiness. Regional and municipal leaders must immediately convene the Local Operational Coordination Bodies for Civil Protection (TESOPP) and the Regional Operational Coordination Bodies for Civil Protection (PESOPP). These specialized coordination councils assess local resource availability, review fire-suppression plans, and organize direct intervention procedures. The objective of this coordinated alert is to limit the spread of fires in areas where meteorological conditions favor rapid propagation.

“Citizens are advised to be particularly careful and avoid outdoor activities that could cause a fire through negligence.”

Preventive guidelines and emergency response

Civil protection officials issued detailed preventive instructions to the public, warning against hazardous outdoor tasks throughout the operational period. Regulations strictly prohibit the burning of dry grass, pruned branches, and general cleaning residues, alongside a blanket seasonal ban on burning agricultural fields. Residents must refrain from operating spark-generating tools, such as circular saws and welding machinery, in open rural settings. Public advisories also prohibit outdoor barbecues, beekeeping smoke treatments, and discarding illuminated cigarette butts into vegetation. Authorities requested that anyone detecting smoke or flames immediately notify the Fire Service via the national emergency telephone number 199, while self-protection guidelines remain accessible through the official portal civilprotection.gov.gr.