A ban on outdoor fires in all areas of the country was decided during an emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vasilis Kikilias, due to the increased number of fires observed in recent days. According to an announcement by the ministry, on Tuesday alone more than 70 fires broke out across the country, mainly caused by the burning of crop residues.

The ban on fires in the open - as well as the corresponding penalties under the law - is already in force. The measure will last until next Tuesday, 18/3, due to the dangerous meteorological conditions (high temperatures and very strong, possibly stormy winds) that will prevail during that period.