A total of 41 forest fires broke out in the last twenty-four hours in the country, most of which were dealt with immediately, at their initial stage, according to a statement from the fire department.

The local investigative offices, as well as units of the Arson Crimes Directorate (D.A.E.E.), are investigating the causes of the fires.

It is noted that, according to the Fire Risk Prediction Map issued by the general secretariat of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gr), a very high risk of fire (risk category 4) is predicted for the regional units of Chios for tomorrow, Lesvos, Samos and Ikaria, North Aegean Region.

The personnel of the Fire Services of the above Regions remain on partial alert in order to deal with the increased service demands, which have arisen due to the large number of fires and the very high risk of fire (risk category 4), while aerial surveillance patrols continue, as well as patrols from fire, police, military forces and levels of the Forest Service.

At the same time, for the above areas, the Civil Protection action plan for dealing with risks due to forest fires remains in place, according to which, among other things, the implementation of the measure of the preventive ban on vehicle traffic and the stay of excursionists in national forests, forests and “vulnerable” areas.

Finally, the fire department calls on all citizens to be particularly careful, and in the event of a fire, for their own safety, to follow the instructions of the competent authorities.