On the occasion of the Assumption holiday, the Forestry Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Environment announces that it is ready to welcome visitors to the forests and to contribute, within the scope of its responsibilities, so that everyone can safely enjoy nature and have a pleasant, carefree time.
At the same time, it extends a heartfelt appeal to everyone to respect nature and the environment. It also emphasizes that forest fires caused by human activities and actions have long posed a serious threat to the natural environment.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
During our outings in the countryside and forests, as the Department emphasizes, we must be particularly careful, avoiding actions and activities that could potentially cause a fire. To this end, close cooperation with the staff of the Forestry Department and other agencies—especially the Police—is required.
A special appeal is directed at owners and users of vacation homes, as well as owners of other residences; if they plan to use charcoal for cooking, they should light them exclusively in specially designated and safe areas. At the same time, they are urged to avoid lighting wood fires, as this increases the risk of causing a fire. After finishing cooking, they must ensure that the charcoal and any open flames have been completely extinguished.
An appeal is also directed at owners of vacation homes who hire third parties to clean their yards, urging them to inform these individuals and prevent them from burning grass, twigs, or other materials. Lighting fires is strictly prohibited and may cause a wildfire with unpredictable and catastrophic consequences.
The Forestry Department also reminds the public that:
- From June 1 through September 30, it is prohibited, without the written permission of the Director, within a state forest or within a two-kilometer zone (2 km) from its boundary line, the use in an open outdoor area of any tool, machine, device, or other equipment for cutting or welding metals or other materials, when such use generates heat, a flame, or sparks, and there is a risk of causing a fire.
- It is prohibited to discard lit cigarette butts in forested and rural areas.
- Lighting fires is permitted only in recreational areas and exclusively within the specially designated areas established by the Forestry Department.
- Littering in the forest is prohibited. We take everything we bring with us and leave the forest clean.
- If anyone notices smoke or a fire, they should immediately call 1407 (Forest Department) or 112 (Fire Department).
Let’s enjoy our forests safely and responsibly. Protecting our forests is everyone’s responsibility, concludes the Forestry Department.
