The Fire Service will convene a fire‑prevention meeting next week, citing meteorological data that show the coming days will be high‑risk because of extreme heat and a forecasted heat wave.
Chief Fire Officer Nikos Longinos, acting as national fire coordinator, called the meeting, which will be held at 8:15 a.m. at Fire Service headquarters with all relevant state agencies.
Local media report that Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis said the goal is to set emergency measures ahead of the heat wave.
He said the department has already taken extensive steps to prevent fires and remain ready for any incident, noting that the cost of prevention is minimal compared with the damage a major wildfire can cause.
Kettis said the service has responded to 1,350 fires so far in 2026, more than 10 percent of which had the potential to develop into major incidents.
He said many fires stem from negligence and urged the public not to underestimate everyday activities that can spark ignition, including discarded cigarette butts, grass clearing, outdoor work, hot tools and improper disposal of waste. He added that some individuals have set fire to garbage they throw away.
With current environmental conditions, he said, fires can start and spread easily.
