From January 1 to May 1 happened in Greece 3543 forest firesup 22% from last year, when 2,907 fires were recorded, according to the fire service, which is preparing for a very difficult fire season.
Of particular concern is that “Some of these fires have similar characteristics to what we might expect in the summer,” Theodore Giannaros, an expert at the National Observatory of Athens, told state news agency amna. “We are also very alarmed by the fact that the fire occurred at a very high altitude in the Pierian mountains, which should have been covered with snow, which would not have allowed such a fire to occur.”he added.
NOA research director Costas Lagouvardos added that low rainfall over the past few months was also adding to concerns, and the European Drought Observatory had already issued a warning for Greece.
Because the fire season started on May 1stMinister of Civil Protection and Climate Change Vassilis Kikilias called on local authorities and citizens to clear areas and yards of greenery to limit the danger in case of fire.
According to the personal observation of the author of the publication, at the beginning of May 2024, most of the grass had dried up in the forests of Attica, as if it were August. The reason is the extremely low amount of precipitation since the new year 2024, as well as the unusually warm weather in March and April.
Even now, fires can start anywhere, so the fire department asks you to be as careful as possible both when handling fire and unextinguished cigarettes, which very often cause fires.
Let us remind you that, according to the new edition Criminal Code of Greecethe arsonists will no longer get off with a suspended or “decorative” sentence, as before, and can be sentenced to long terms of imprisonment.
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