Police force to remain on high alert in response to fires
A meeting held at the civil protection ministry on Friday to discuss fire prevention measures, in the wake of a spate of destructive fires throughout Greece during the day, has decided to also place Greece's police force on high alert for the next few days, which are expected to be difficult.
The meeting was chaired by general secretary for public order Dimitris Anagnostakis, with the participation of all the Hellenic Police (ELAS) leadership.
According to ministry sources, instructions were issued to all police departments to increase patrols, both on foot and seasonal, as well as by the DIAS motorcycle police where possible, in areas of woodland and forest where there was a risk of fire.
In addition, two ELAS water-carriers and water-cannons will also be placed at the disposal of the fire brigade to fight urban-area fires, in order to free additional fire brigade vehicles for use against forest fires.
Police vans and buses will also be made available to assist in the evacuation of citizens if necessary.
