Fire prevention period: 2nd reminder for cleaning of private plots
CORFU. These areas must be kept clean and cleared of vegetation, with periodic maintenance, throughout the entire fire prevention season (May 1st to October 31st).
(Central Corfu Municipality) The Independent Department of Civil Protection and Civil Defence of the Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands reminds the citizens of the Municipality that as of May 1st, the official fire prevention period for the year 2025 has begun, which will last until October 31st.
A strong recommendation is issued to our fellow citizens:
● To be especially careful and avoid any outdoor activity that could cause a fire.
● To consult the local Fire Services regarding:
– prohibited or conditionally permitted actions, activities, and works in open areas,
– the prescribed fire protection measures and equipment,
– the fire danger category, according to the daily fire risk forecast map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, as well as any other related information.
● To monitor relevant announcements on forest fires via the website of the Fire Service at www.fireservice.gr
● To seek self-protection guidelines against forest fire risks from the website of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection at www.civilprotection.gr
If you see smoke, flames, or anything that could lead to a fire:
● Call 199 or 112 IMMEDIATELY and provide clear information about:
– your location and the exact place you are,
– the exact location and direction of the fire,
– the wind strength in the area,
– the type of vegetation burning.
● Leave the area immediately and strictly follow the instructions of the competent authorities.
● Facilitate access for the Fire Service and Civil Protection!
The Municipality also reminds property owners, occupants, and beneficiaries of plots, fields, and other open areas of their obligation to clear and remove dry grass, branches, and other flammable materials from the above spaces to prevent the outbreak or rapid spread of fire.
These areas must be kept clean and cleared of vegetation, with periodic maintenance, throughout the fire prevention period (May 1st to October 31st).
In case of non-compliance by the responsible parties, the Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands will, when applicable, impose administrative penalties in accordance with current legislation (a fine of €500 per stremma and an additional €500 per stremma for cleaning by the Municipality, if it performs the cleaning itself).
Fines will be imposed in advance and without prior notice throughout the fire prevention period, but may be contested by submitting an objection within 10 days of notification, as provided by law.
It is also stressed that property owners are required to submit a signed declaration of compliance confirming that their property has been cleared to the National Register for Preventive Fire Protection Measures, via the Ministry’s online platform at https://akatharista.apps.gov.gr, by the extended deadline of June 15.
Failure to submit the declaration results in a fine of €1,000, while submitting a false declaration may lead to both a fine and imprisonment of up to two (2) years.
