Access to certain areas prohibited on Saturday, June 28 due to high temperatures

According to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gr), for tomorrow, Saturday, June 28, the fire risk is estimated as High (Category 3) for the Regional Unit of Corfu.

The responsible state services involved, as well as the services of the Regional Unit of Corfu, are on increased civil protection alert in order to respond immediately to any wildfire incidents.

We hereby inform you that there is a ban on passage, stay, and movement of people and vehicles in NATURA areas, as well as in forest ecosystems, parks, and groves, on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 13:00 to 23:59, in the following areas:

(a) Issos Cedar forest (Korission dunes), Agios Matthaios forest, Arkoudilas, and Theofylaktos in Pavliana, South Corfu.

(b) Lazareto Island, Kombitsi, Agioi Deka, Stavros, and Agios Panteleimon in Kato Garouna, Central Corfu & Diapontia Islands.

(c) Porto Timoni, North Corfu.

(d) Erimitis, Panagia and Agios Nikolaos islets, Paxos.

For each violation of the above ban, an administrative fine of 300 euros will be imposed.

This ban does not apply to persons who live or work in the affected areas, solely for travel to and from their residence or workplace, as well as to those moving within the road network—subject to the possibility that parts of that network may also be closed off by the competent authorities, in accordance with applicable regulations.

The authorities responsible for enforcing the ban and issuing fines are:

• Corfu Police Department,

• Corfu Fire Department,

• Corfu Forestry Service.

IMMEDIATE INSTRUCTIONS TO AVOID FIRE INCIDENTS

If you are outdoors:

• Do not burn rubbish, dry grass, or branches during the summer months.

• Remove dry branches from trees and bushes.

• Do not light outdoor barbecues in forests or in areas with dry vegetation during summer.

• Avoid activities that could cause a fire (e.g., welding, using a grinder, or tools that produce sparks).

• Do not throw lit cigarettes.

• Do not leave rubbish in the forest—it poses a fire risk.

• Respect access restrictions during periods of high fire danger.

• Avoid beekeeping activities during fire risk days.

If your house is in or near a forest:

• Create a firebreak zone around your house by clearing at least 10 meters of dry grass, leaves, pine needles, and branches.

• Trim trees up to 3 metres high, depending on their condition and age.

• Ensure tree branches do not touch the house (walls, roof, balconies); leave at least a 5-metre distance.

• Thin tree cover so that branches of different trees are at least 3 metres apart. Ideally, remove trees and shrubs within 10 metres of the structure, provided it complies with forest protection laws.

• Avoid plastic gutters or pipes on external house walls.

• Do not use flammable materials for shutters on windows or balconies.

• Ensure chimney and vent covers are made of non-flammable materials to prevent embers from entering.

• Store flammable items away from the house.

• Keep firewood in closed, protected areas.

• Do not build uncovered fuel tanks near the house.

• Obtain and maintain suitable fire extinguishers.

• Equip your home with a water hose long enough to cover the surrounding area.

• Have a water tank, a non-electric pump, and a water hose ready.

If you notice a fire:

• Call the Fire Department immediately (199) or 112.

• Provide clear information about:

  • Your exact location,

  • The location, direction, and size of the fire,

  • The type of vegetation that is burning.

For more information and self-protection guidelines against forest fires, citizens can visit the General Secretariat for Civil Protection website at www.civilprotection.gr.

Digital Tools for Crisis Management

Also, note that under the “Laertes – Innovative Operational System for Natural Disaster Management in the Ionian Islands Region” project, the hazardspro.eu platform is available. This is a comprehensive crisis management tool for Civil Protection (https://hazardspro.eu).

The system is also a resource for providing vital information to citizens before, during, and after natural disasters. Information is organised around three key disaster categories: wildfires, floods, and landslides. Data is distributed according to user roles—authorities and citizens—and is available via a GIS-type dynamic map, as well as documents and links.

Access to the system is also available via the “Laertes” mobile app.

ELENI KORONAKI