Wildfire Season in Attica: Risk Maps, 112 Alerts and Fire Rules
Every summer, fires near Athens force evacuations in pine-covered suburbs. Here is how the warning system works and what residents are expected to do.
The official wildfire season in Greece runs from 1 May to 31 October, and Attica’s pine-covered suburbs and hills are among the highest-risk areas in the country. Civil protection publishes a daily fire risk map, sends 112 alerts to phones when a fire threatens an area, and bans most outdoor burning for the whole season.
Fires near Athens are fanned by strong summer winds, especially the northerly meltemi, and can cross several kilometers in hours. The rules and advice below are as of November 2026.
How do you read the daily fire risk map?
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection publishes a fire risk forecast map for the next day, usually in the afternoon. Each area of Greece gets a category from 1 to 5.
| Category | Level | What it means for residents |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low | Normal caution |
| 2 | Moderate | Normal caution; burning bans still apply |
| 3 | High | Avoid any activity that can start a fire outdoors |
| 4 | Very high | Heightened readiness; access to some forests can be restricted |
| 5 | State of alert | Extreme risk; forest access and some outdoor work can be banned in the area |
On category 4 and 5 days, regional authorities often close access to forests and parks such as Hymettus, Parnitha and Penteli. These bans are announced the day before and are enforced with patrols.
What does a 112 evacuation message mean?
A 112 message arrives on every phone in the affected area through cell broadcast, with a loud tone. Messages are usually in Greek and English and name the area and the direction to move.
| Message says | What to do |
|---|---|
| Stay alert / be on standby | Prepare to leave: documents, medicines, water, pets; close windows; move the car to face out |
| Evacuate toward a named area | Leave now, by the route given; do not go toward the fire to look |
| Stay indoors / in a safe place | Shut windows and doors, stay inside, keep roads clear for firefighters |
Leave early when told. Most deaths in Greek wildfires happen to people caught on roads or trapped in cars and homes when the fire arrives. If you cannot leave, call 112 and give your exact location. Our guide to emergency numbers in Greece explains how 112 works.
What happened in Mati in 2018 and in the recent fires?
On 23 July 2018, a fire driven by very strong winds swept through the seaside settlement of Mati in East Attica within hours. More than 100 people died, making it the deadliest wildfire in modern Greek history. Many victims were trapped in narrow streets or on the coast. After Mati, Greece launched the 112 alert system in 2019, and it is now the main channel for evacuation orders.
In August 2024, a fire that started near Varnavas in northeast Attica burned about 10,000 hectares over several days and reached the northern suburbs, including parts of Penteli and Chalandri. One person died and dozens of homes were destroyed. In August 2025, fires again hit East Attica, including Keratea, where one person died and homes burned. In each case, 112 messages ordered evacuations of named settlements.
Which outdoor fire rules apply in the season?
From 1 May to 31 October, burning dry vegetation, crop waste and rubbish outdoors is banned everywhere, whatever the daily risk category. Barbecues and any open fire in or near forests are not allowed, and on high-risk days the use of tools that throw sparks (angle grinders, welding, some mowers) in or near vegetation is restricted.
Fines for breaking the rules start in the hundreds of euros and can reach very high amounts when a fire starts or firefighting resources are used, and starting a fire through negligence is a criminal offence, as of November 2026. Owners of plots in or near forests must also clear dry vegetation by a deadline set each spring by the fire service; if you rent a house with a garden, ask the owner who does this.
How does smoke affect air quality in Athens?
Smoke from a big fire can cover central Athens even when the flames are 20 km away. Fine particles in smoke irritate the lungs, especially for children, older people and anyone with asthma or heart disease.
- Keep windows closed and use air conditioning on recirculation if you have it.
- Avoid outdoor exercise until the smoke clears.
- FFP2 masks reduce exposure to particles outdoors; cloth masks do not help much.
- Ash on balconies and cars can be washed off with water once the fire is out.
Fire days often coincide with heatwaves; our guide to heatwaves in Athens covers that side.
How do you prepare a home near pine forest?
- Clear dry grass, needles and branches within about 10 meters of the house, and keep gutters and roofs free of needles.
- Move firewood, gas bottles and garden furniture away from walls.
- Keep a garden hose long enough to reach around the house, and know where the water shut-off is.
- Pack a bag with documents, medicines, chargers, water and masks, and keep the car fuelled in high-risk weeks.
- Know two ways out of your area by road, in case one is closed.
Suburbs at the edge of Penteli, Parnitha, Hymettus and the East Attica coast carry the highest risk. When looking for a home, see our guide to the northern suburbs of Athens for local context.
Bottom line
Check the next day’s risk map each summer evening, the same way you would check the weather. When a 112 message says evacuate, take the bag and go by the route it names: delay is the biggest danger.
FAQ
Can I have a barbecue in my garden in summer?
Barbecues near forests or dry vegetation are not allowed during the fire season. In a built-up area, follow local rules and never on high-risk days.
Do I need to register for 112 alerts?
No. Cell broadcast reaches all phones in an area automatically. You can also register for SMS and email alerts through the 112 GR-Alert service on gov.gr.
Where can I see active fires?
The fire service and civil protection announce major fires and evacuations on their official channels. Follow those rather than unofficial maps.
Are fires possible outside May to October?
Yes. The season is the legal period for restrictions, but dry, windy days in spring and autumn can also bring fires.
