There are 35 forests in total. fires happened in the last 24 hours in Greece, according to Fire Departmentand local investigators, as well as units of the Arson Enforcement Administration (DAEE), are investigating the causes of their occurrence.

At the same time, a message from the fire department states that according to the Fire Risk Prediction Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crises and Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gr), a high fire risk is predicted for tomorrow, Saturday, 20 August 2022 (risk category 3) in: Attica, Evia, Boeotia, Phokis, Phthiotis, areas of Magnesia, areas of the Peloponnese, Western Greece, Crete, the Ionian and Dodecanese Islands, Samos and Ikaria.

The fire brigade addresses the citizens:

• Be especially careful and avoid any activity that could start a fire.
• To monitor forest fire prevention information available on the website and official accounts of the fire department, Facebook and Twitter.
• In the event of a fire, they must immediately report to the fire department at 199.

For more information and instructions on self-protection against the dangers of forest fires, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at www.civilprotection.gr.

Slight drop in temperature

In addition, according to the extreme weather bulletin issued on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), from tomorrow, Saturday, August 20, 2022, the temperature will drop slightly in western and northern Greece, but in in the east of the mainland, its maximum value will reach 39-40 degrees Celsius. It is indicated that a change in the weather from the northwest is expected from Saturday afternoon, in some places it is possible to increase storms and increase winds.

In areas where high temperatures are expected, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gr) draws the attention of people belonging to vulnerable groups to be especially careful to avoid health problems such as heat exhaustion and heat shock, which may be caused by the high temperatures that will prevail.

In particular, according to the instructions for self-defense against high temperatures, citizens are recommended to:

• Stay in cool and shady places away from crowds, use air conditioners or fans, and avoid strenuous physical work in places with high temperatures, shortness of breath and high humidity.
• Avoid sunbathing as well as walking or running in the sun, wear a hat and sunglasses, and light-colored clothes made of fabric that allows the skin to ventilate and helps sweat to evaporate, avoiding synthetic fabrics.
• Eat light meals with fruits and vegetables, limiting fat and food intake.
• Drink plenty of water and fruit juices and avoid alcoholic beverages.

Special care is recommended for infants and young children, as well as the elderly and people suffering from chronic diseases, to protect them from high temperatures.

For more information and instructions on self-protection against high temperatures, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at www.civilprotection.gr and the website of the Ministry of Health.

Also, in areas where heavy rainfall, thunderstorms or hurricane-force winds are predicted, citizens are urged to:

• For securing objects that, if blown away by harsh weather conditions, could cause damage or injury.
• Make sure the gutters and downspouts of the houses are clear and working properly.
• Avoid crossing streams and streams on foot or by car during thunderstorms and rain, and for several hours after they end.
• Avoid working outdoors and operating in sea and coastal areas during adverse weather conditions (danger of lightning strikes).
• Take cover immediately during hail. Take cover in a building or car and do not leave the safe area until they are sure the storm has passed. Hail can be very dangerous for animals too.
• Avoid walking under large trees, under posted signs, and in public areas where light objects (eg pots, broken glass, etc.) can break off and fall to the ground (eg under balconies).

Source: APE/MEB