Greece places 13 regions under Red Code as extreme wildfire risk looms for Wednesday
Thirteen regions, including Attica and Thessaloniki, are placed under Red Code mobilisation as authorities warn of conditions resembling the deadly 2018 Mati fire.
Extreme risk forecast
The Risk Assessment Committee, convened by General Secretary of Civil Protection Nikos Papaefstathiou and chaired by Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas, met on Tuesday afternoon, 21 July 2026, to evaluate the fire danger for the following day. The committee concluded that exceptionally adverse pyro-meteorological conditions will prevail on Wednesday, 22 July, with very high temperatures, strong winds, and extremely low humidity. These factors will create an environment of extreme danger for the outbreak and rapid spread of forest fires. The Fire Risk Prediction Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection confirms the severity, placing multiple regions in the highest alert categories.
Regions under Red Code
Based on the prediction map, an extreme fire risk (category 5, red alert) is forecast for Attica, Viotia, Fthiotida, Argolida, and Corinthia. A very high risk (category 4) is forecast for Arcadia, Laconia, Aetolia-Acarnania, Achaia, Fokida, Evia, Thessaly, Kilkis, Thessaloniki, and Rhodes. By decision of General Secretary Papaefstathiou, 13 regions are placed under Red Code mobilisation for 22 July: the entire Attica Region; the regional units of Viotia, Fthiotida, Fokida, and Evia in Sterea Ellada; Argolida, Corinthia, Arcadia, and Laconia in the Peloponnese; Aetolia-Acarnania and Achaia in Western Greece; the Thessaly Region; the regional units of Kilkis and Thessaloniki in Central Macedonia; and the regional unit of Rhodes in the South Aegean.
Full mobilisation of civil protection
Minister Tournas announced that the entire National Civil Protection Mechanism will be placed on alert, up to maximum readiness depending on the risk level of each area. The Fire Service, Armed Forces, Forest Services, Security Forces, first- and second-tier local government, supported by EKAB and volunteer groups, will make every effort to tackle any incidents that arise. Municipalities and regions under Red Code are instructed to immediately convene their Local and Regional Operational Coordination Bodies (T.E.S.O.P.P. and P.E.S.O.P.P.) to review preparedness and coordination. The General Secretariat has already notified all relevant state services, regions, and municipalities to be in heightened operational readiness.
- Risk Assessment Committee meets, chaired by Minister Evangelos Tournas
- General Secretary Nikos Papaefstathiou declares Red Code mobilisation for 13 regions
- Extreme fire risk (category 5) and very high risk (category 4) forecast across central and southern Greece
Mati comparison and citizen warning
Tournas drew a direct parallel to the deadly 2018 Mati wildfire, stating that the forecast conditions will resemble that disaster.
The conditions on Wednesday will resemble the phenomenon we experienced in Mati.
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection issued a strong appeal to citizens to exercise maximum caution and to avoid any outdoor activity that could accidentally cause a fire, such as burning dry grass, branches, or debris. Tournas urged the public to comply with the instructions of the authorities and to refrain from work that could potentially start a fire.
What happens next
The Fire Risk Prediction Map for Wednesday places multiple regions in the highest alert categories, and the full activation of the civil protection mechanism will remain in effect throughout the day on 22 July. All forces are positioned to respond immediately to any fire outbreaks, with the Fire Service, Armed Forces, and local government operating under the Red Code framework. The authorities will continue to monitor the situation and issue further guidance as conditions evolve.
