As the 2026 fire season approaches, property owners in Greece are facing a critical deadline. To prevent the devastating spread of wildfires, the Municipalities —following national fire safety regulations—have issued a mandatory call for the cleaning of private plots.
If you own or rent land, you must act before May 31, 2026, to ensure compliance and avoid heavy administrative fines.
Which Properties Are Affected?
The regulation isn’t just for forest-adjacent land; it covers a wide range of properties. According to the official announcement , the cleaning requirement applies to:
1. Urban Plots: Areas located within approved town planning schemes.
2. Settlement Plots: Areas within the boundaries of settlements that do not have an approved town plan.
3. The 100-Meter Zone: Any land located within a 100-meter radius of the boundaries mentioned above (provided they are not classified as forest land).
4. Off-Plan Plots with Buildings: Land outside of town plans that contains a building or structure (provided they are not classified as forest land).
Your Two Main Obligations
It is not enough to simply cut the grass. Property owners, tenants, and usufructuaries must complete two specific tasks:
1. Physical Cleaning and Maintenance
You must remove dry grass, fallen branches, and any other combustible materials that could act as fuel for a fire. This isn’t a one-time job; the space must be maintained throughout the entire fire season, which runs from May 1st to October 31st.
2. Digital Declaration
Once the cleaning is complete, you must officially declare it. This is done via the National Registry of Preventive Fire Protection Measures at the digital platform: akatharista.apps.gov.gr. The deadline for this declaration is May 31, 2026.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
The authorities are taking these measures seriously to protect lives and the environment. If you fail to submit the declaration or neglect the cleaning:
* Administrative Fines: Substantial fines will be imposed according to the current legislative framework.
* Cleaning Costs: If the Municipality has to step in and clean the plot on your behalf, you will be charged for the full cost of the cleaning service.
Why This Matters
The Municipalities emphasize that these actions are about more than just avoiding tickets. By cleaning your property, you are:
* Reducing the chances of a fire starting.
* Protecting your own home and property.
* Safeguarding the lives of your neighbors.
* Preserving the natural environment of Crete.
* Ensuring the area remains safe for residents and visitors alike.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Start your property maintenance today and ensure your digital declaration is filed before the May 31st cutoff.
Do you have questions about the new digital platform? Visit the official government portal or contact your local municipal office for guidance on how to register your property cleaning.
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