Starting Monday, June 23, 2026, municipal and fire service authorities will begin enforcing compliance with Greece’s anti-wildfire regulations — specifically, the mandatory clearing of private plots from dry grass and flammable vegetation. Residents who fail to clear their land by the deadline — which expires on Monday, June 22 — face steep administrative fines.
Nationwide Effort Ahead of Peak Fire Season
With the peak of the wildfire season approaching, citizens and municipalities across Greece are racing to meet the deadline. Today, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas convened a working meeting with Deputy Mayors for Civil Protection from all municipalities in Attica. The focus was on coordinating plot-clearing efforts, planning compliance inspections, and ensuring consistent application of penalties under the legal framework.
A High-Risk Season Ahead
In his opening remarks, Minister Tournas stressed that Greece is entering an exceptionally demanding wildfire period. Scientific forecasts point to high temperatures and prolonged drought over the coming months. Moreover, abundant vegetation growth following this year’s rainfall has significantly increased available fuel load — raising both the likelihood of ignition and the speed of fire spread.
“We are entering a truly difficult wildfire season,” Tournas said, citing the dangerous convergence of drought, heat, strong winds, and excess combustible material. He reiterated that this year’s strategy centers on two key goals: reducing the number of fires and reducing fuel load — objectives requiring coordinated action by the state, municipalities, relevant agencies, and citizens alike.
Current Season Statistics
Since May 1, authorities have recorded 803 wildfires nationwide — a 14% decrease compared to the 20-year average. Still, Tournas emphasized that the figure remains alarmingly high. To date, 435 administrative fines have been issued for violations of fire safety legislation, totaling approximately €443,000. Ninety-five arrests have also been made under the on-the-spot prosecution process.
The minister noted that investigative capabilities have improved significantly: authorities now combine experience, technical resources, and a national drone network — including 33 drones currently operating in Attica — to identify both the causes and perpetrators of fires.
Required Clearing Measures
Mandatory actions for landowners include:
- Removing dry vegetation and plant debris
- Pruning trees and thinning shrubs
- Collecting and removing cleared materials
- Clearing flammable objects and waste
- Maintaining low fuel loads throughout the high-risk period
Enforcement Mechanism
Under the relevant Joint Ministerial Decision (K.Y.A.), municipalities use the National Registry to support inspections. Meanwhile, the Hellenic Fire Service conducts checks exclusively upon receipt of complaints during the wildfire season. In cases of non-compliance — including failure to submit required declarations or to clear plots or open spaces — authorities may impose fines and pursue further legal action.