Costa Katsafados said a decision on whether to extend the land clearing will be made tomorrow, with the commission assessing climatic data and fire risk.
Friday 12 June is expected to be crucial for thousands of plot owners, as the Committee Risk Assessment will decide whether to give an extension to the deadline for clearing plots, which expires on 15 June. As Secretary of State for Civil Protection Kostasfados told ERTNews, there is the possibility of giving extra time, but the final decision will be made based on updated climatic data.
Katsafados: Fewer declarations this year, what the committee is considering
According to the data presented by the deputy minister, so far about 340 have been declared on the special platform.000 cleared plots, when in the corresponding period last year the declarations had reached 500,000.
Katsafados noted that the Commission will meet on Friday morning to assess the available data and weather conditions before deciding whether to allow extra time for people to complete the clean-up work.
At the same time, he acknowledged that increased rainfall and high levels of humidity in recent months have affected the timing of the work, which reinforces the possibility of another extension.
Clearing crucial for fire prevention
The deputy minister stressed that clearing land is one of the most important measures for preventing fires, as it helps remove fuel and reduces the chances of a fire spreading.
He said that in the two previous fire seasons there were instances where fires were unable to spread because they encountered areas of already cleared land, which prevented them from developing further.
He also recalled that similar extensions had been given in the two previous years when the measure was implemented.
Strict controls with “hefty” fines for offenders
Katsafados announced an intensification of controls by the competent authorities after the deadline, making it clear that high fines will be imposed on those who do not comply with their obligations.
At the same time, he urged citizens to protect their properties and actively contribute to the protection of human life and the natural environment.
Referring to the overall anti-fire preparation, he stressed that the country is fighting a constant battle against the consequences of the climate crisis, underlining the cooperation of the ministry, the General Secretariat Civil Protection, the Fire Brigade, the Security, the Armed Forces, the Local Government, volunteers and the scientific community.
He noted that the contribution of citizens remains crucial, as the protection of the environment and human life is a collective responsibility for the present and future generations.
