HELLENIC REPUBLIC
PREFECTURE OF FOKIDA
MUNICIPALITY OF DELPHI
Amfissa, 7 November 2013
DIRECTORATE OF ENVIRONMENT
& CIVIL PROTECTION
Postal Address
G. & F. Tsigga 14
Post Code
331 00 Amfissa
Contact
Telephone
2265072009
Fax
2265022094
MEMORANDUM OF ACTIONS ON FOREST FIRE IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF DELPHI
INTRODUCTION
The Municipality of Delphi, with headquarters in Amfissa previously in Delphi, is the
Municipality of the Region of Sterea Hellada established by the Kallikrates program by the
merging of eight former municipalities:
Municipality of Amfissa
Municipality of Galaxidi
Municipality of Gravia
Municipality of Delphi
Municipality of Desfina
Municipality of Itea
Municipality of Kallieis
Municipality of Parnassos
which today comprise the municipal units of Delphi.
The geographical area of the new municipality is 1,121.671 square kilometres with a permanent
population of 26,716 inhabitants according to the 2011 census.
The Municipality of Delphi, according to its responsibilities as well as the general planning
of the State for the country’s Civil Protection, takes all necessary measures and makes plans for
the necessary actions required by Law 3013/1-5-02 (Government Gazette -102 Α) on
“Enhancement of civil protection capability” and aims at “the protection of life, health and
property of the citizens from natural disasters, technological hazards and other disasters which
cause states of emergency during periods of peace”. They are provided in detail in the “General
Plan for Civil Protection under the code name ‘Xenokratis’”.
The preparation for responding to emergencies at the level of local authorities is a great
responsibility and demands effective organization, manpower recruitment, material resources
and perfect coordination.
Our coordination is based on the three defining elements Prevention – Management – Recovery.
The Civil Protection Office of the Municipality of Delphi is under the jurisdiction of the
Department of Environmental Management of the Environment and Civil Protection of the
Municipality and is subject to the Vice Mayor of which he is in charge.
The operation of the service aims at the best possible response to a natural or technological
disaster or accident that may occur in the region of the Municipality of Delphi, and at assisting
neighbouring as well as non-neighbouring municipalities and other administrative bodies during
states of emergency.
The Memorandum sets out a practical planning adapted to the Municipality data and the
capabilities of its services, proposing actions and measures in conditions of forest fire. It can be
subject to changes without affecting its clarity and functionality.
THE TARGET IS CONCRETE AND DETAILED ANSWERS ARE GIVEN TO
THE QUESTIONS: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY
THE CIVIL PROTECTION SYSTEM CONSISTS OF

The Mayor, the Alternate Mayor, and the Vice Mayor for Civil Protection (assisted or
substituted by the local Vice Mayors and Heads of the local authorities.

The Municipality Civil Protection Office

The Local Coordinating Body for Civil Protection

Emergency response teams
The Civil Protection Office of the Municipality, by order, takes various preventive and protective
measures throughout the year, intensified during the fire season which our country defines to be
from May 1st until October 31st (Article 25 of Law 998 / 79) and particularly during the summer
months.
Given the probability that the fire causes be other than natural (such as lightning) is small, the
measures and actions of the Civil Protection Office are designed to reduce the risks that may
result from human activity or errors, and also to ensure the expeditious and efficient intervention
of the Fire Service and to support it if needed.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Mobilisation in case of a natural disaster due to a forest fire takes place in the following phases:
PHASE 1 - COMMON PREPAREDNESS
MAYOR- COMPETENT VICE MAYOR
By order of the Mayor/Competent Vice Mayor, and support from the Civil Protection Office, the
Local Coordinating Body is called to a meeting to solve cooperation issues among the agencies
involved in the emergency response, as well as issues relating to cooperation with voluntary
organizations of Civil Protection. The Civil Protection Office of the Municipality is defined as
the meeting place of the Local Coordinating Body.
It is the responsibility of the Mayor and of the Vice Mayor in charge to programme and realize
the following actions:
To order, before the beginning of the fire season the maintenance and alertness of the people and
means that will be involved in supporting the Fire Service as well as in the emergency response
and management of the consequences of forest fires.
To check the status and proper operation of fire hydrants and the installation of new ones, where
necessary, at the suggestion of the Fire Service.
The implementation of preventive projects and works for the cleaning of vegetation and the
pruning of trees.
Deforestation and garbage collection from the Municipal Road Network, squares, parks, schools
etc. and other infrastructure buildings which lie in the responsibility of the Municipality.
The implementation of risk reduction programs with preventive removal of the vegetation
around special protection areas (infrastructure buildings and facilities, camps, archaeological
sites, groves, parks, etc.) and areas considered by nature as of high risk (power transmission
crossings, fuel tanks, waste disposal sites, etc.) is the responsibility of those to whom the land
property belongs (Fire Safety Provisions 4/1987, 9/2000, 9A / 2005, Law 998/1979, JMD 12030
/ F109.1 / 1999).
According to Article 94, Law 3852/2010 and the Regulation on cleanliness of our Municipality
(Article 18), the cleaning requirements from the owners, distributors, beneficial owners of land
and other open spaces, located within cities, towns and settlements within 100 meters of urban
limits as well as pursuing the cleaning ex officio in case the people involved refuse to do it are
ensured by the Mayor. The first action is to inform the landowners etc. by letter or notice from
the media.
Deforestation, cleaning and backfilling of all areas of organized or unorganized waste disposal
(Uncontrolled Waste Disposal Space of Keratorachi etc.). Placing prohibitive signs and custody
on those sites. According to the Fire Provision 9A / 2005, the presence of an aquifer vehicle is
obligatory at places of uncontrolled dumps of municipal waste and will remain there, when
according to the Daily Fire Severity Index Map, issued by ΦΦΠΠ, a risk index of 4 (very high)
or 5 (alert) is predicted. The existing tank is checked and filled with water.
Additional support to any request from the Fire Service in order to prevent a fire from
agricultural and other limited work in the countryside.
Personal letters are sent which inform that the burning of cultivation residues from May 1st to
October 31st is banned.
Order, before the start of the fire season, the Presidents of Municipal / Local Communities, who
are in charge of fire safety teams of the Municipal / Local Community to register – update the
means and human resources that can contribute to dealing with forest fires and notify the Civil
Protection Office of the Municipality.
Approval of Annex I of the Municipality (manpower and resources to be used for the
implementation of the Civil Protection actions in the course of implementing this plan), proposed
to the Mayor by the Executive Committee of the Municipality, and which has been written and
updated under the responsibility of the Civil Protection Office.
Supply of water tanks, tents and other necessary materials.
Cooperation with existing voluntary organizations that are part of the General Office for Civil
Protection registry to assist with our work.
Cooperation with the main Amfissa olive grove irrigation project and the Athens Water Supply
and Sewerage Company. Recording and cooperation with farmers who own and operate drilling
in the olive grove of Amfissa.
Recording of and cooperation with groups of volunteer farmers who possess a tractor and tank.
All this in consultation with the Fire Service.
Maintenance of rural roads, broken branches of trees that block access, in cooperation with the
Presidents of the Municipal Communities, the Fire Service and the owners.
Clear streams in collaboration with the Regional Unit of Fokida.
Implementation of the procedures for the exceptional issue of driving licenses for vehicles of the
Municipality to be driven by individuals and members of the Voluntary Association "Greek
Rescue Team, Fokida Annex" in a state of emergency, in accordance with the
existing legislation.
Cooperation with the relevant bodies in the context of the Memoranda, especially in sensitive
areas such as the Parnassos National Park, archaeological sites etc. and assistance to the work of
the Fire Service.
Patrols by employees of the municipality, if possible, or in cooperation with the competent
bodies - volunteers, especially in particularly sensitive areas such as the olive grove of Amfissa,
the Parnassos National Park, archaeological sites, urban and suburban groves etc., which will
patrol during the days and hours of high risk helping the work of the Fire Service.
Informing the Municipal Units and the public about the measures taken in view of disaster
preparedness during high-risk days on the basis of the Daily Fire Severity Index Map issued by
the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.
Participation of the Mayor / Competent Vice Mayor in the Civil Protection Coordinating Body of
the Regional Unit of Fokida to deal with cooperation issues among the involved authorities in
coping with states of emergency caused by forest fires.
Coordination – keeping up to date the management of the consequences caused by forest fires,
with particular reference to the implementation of the action of organized citizen evacuation,
pursuant to Article 18 of Law 3613/2007 (Government Gazette 263 / A / 2007).
Selection – keeping up to date of the meeting places in state of emergency and of the lists with
the registered citizens.
Coordination and necessary actions to find means of transportation, ensure feeding, hygiene, and
health care provision to citizens of foreign countries, mainly tourists.
Social protection for citizens who get into a state of emergency because of forest fires is directly
supported by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, through the Municipalities and
Regions, where necessary, to cover basic needs (accommodation - food) and the Ministry of
Health as well as by the competent Welfare Services of the Municipalities.
Appointment of persons responsible for the Municipality Civil Protection Office.
LOCAL COORDINATING BODY FOR CIVIL PROTECTION
With care of the Civil Protection Office and ensuing an order of the Local Mayor, a Coordinating
Body has been established according to the provisions of Article 13, Law3013 / 2002. The
meeting during the phase of common preparedness takes place by order of the Mayor, in case he
considers it necessary for the resolution of issues about cooperation among the agencies involved
in dealing with the emergency, as well as issues relating to the cooperation with voluntary Civil
Protection organizations.
CIVIL PROTECTION OFFICE
Writes and updates memorandum actions in cooperation with the competent services of the
municipality, in which the operationally responsible staff is determined, and their role and
actions in dealing with emergencies. In this context, telephone directories are compiled with
phone numbers and positions of the Municipality employees in charge, which are notified to the
local services of the Region, the Fire Service and the Hellenic Police.
Records all operationally available resources of the Municipality which can be provided to help
with the Fire Service work and also face the consequences of the phenomenon. Notifies this
recording to the Directorate for Civil Protection of Decentralised Administration of the Region
and to the local Fire Service.
Takes charge of the cooperation between the Municipal services in charge and the Local Fire
Service to support with their task.
Draws up memoranda of understanding with private sector enterprises in case the resources of
the Municipality are not sufficient.
Determines the places of assembly for the citizens, in consultation with the services of the
Regional Unit of Fokida in states of emergency (shelter places).
Takes charge of the convocation of the Local Coordinating Body by order of the Mayor/
Competent Vice Mayor according to Article 13, Law Ν.3013/2002.
During the fire season, especially during the summer months and periods of high temperatures,
the Civil Protection Office is in a state of common preparedness. It ensures and keeps contact
with the Operations Centre of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection and other involved
authorities at local level (Directorate for Civil Protection of Decentralised Administration of
Thessaly-Sterea Hellada, Regional Unit of Fokida); it collects data and information which it
attempts to assess.
In this way, the communications mechanism of the Office is activated resulting in the necessary
flow of information in every direction.
It consults the Daily Fire Severity Index Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil
Protection and is in continuous contact with the Decentralised Administration of Thessaly and
Sterea Hellada, the Region of Sterea Hellada and the Regional Unit of Fokida.
The Daily Fire Severity Index Map is sent officially to the Municipality and is available in
minimum time since it is issued, on the responsibility of the working group on the website of the
General Secretariat for Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gr or www.gscp.gr), through which
all involved authorities can be immediately informed (Directorates for Civil Protection of
Decentralised Administration and of the Regions, the Civil Protection Departments of the
Regional Units, the Civil Protection Office of the Municipalities, the voluntary Civil Protection
organizations, the civilians, and so on.)
It keeps contact with and informs the Mayor / Competent Vice Mayor as well as the other
members of the Civil Protection Office.
Phase 2 –preparedness
If, according to the Daily Fire Severity Index Map of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection,
it is estimated that for the wider area of the Municipality there is a high risk of a forest fire, the
Civil Protection Office puts, by order, the Civil Protection preparedness plan (staff- meansvolunteers) into action.
If the data and information suggest that a disaster might be imminent, we proceed to the wider
mobilization of the Civil Protection mechanism.
MAYOR / COMPETENT VICE MAYOR
Puts the operationally involved municipal Services and the employees on full alert for Civil
Protection, taking into consideration the warning issued for this reason by the Operations Centre
for Civil Protection
LOCAL COORDINATING BODY FOR CIVIL PROTECTION
If necessary, by order of the Mayor/Competent Vice Mayor, there is a meeting of the Local
Coordinating Body held of which the Mayor presides, in order to take additional prevention and
preparedness measures for Civil Protection for the purpose of immediately confronting possible
problems that may be caused by the coming phenomenon.
CIVIL PROTECTION OFFICE
The person in charge convenes a meeting of the Municipality Civil Protection Office.
The Civil Protection Office applies the memorandum of understanding in order to ensure staff
and municipal means preparedness for Civil Protection and gives notice to the persons
responsible for the emergency groups, and they in turn give notice to the group members.
Coordination of Municipality services to meet the orders given by order of the Mayor/ Competent
Vice Mayor.
Informs the Heads of the Departments of Directorate General of Environment and Civil
Protection, and they, in turn, inform all employees.
Gives notice to the volunteers who gather at the City Hall or anywhere else that is considered
necessary, and who are at the service of the Civil Protection Office.
The meeting venue is selected and the composition of the emergency response centre, which will
manage the employee mobilisation, is determined.
Sees to the convocation the Local Coordinating Body by order of the Mayor/ Competent Vice
Mayor according to Article 13, Law 3013/2002.
The operational planning for the specific phenomenon is implemented with complete
individualization of responsibilities and tasks.
There is continuous contact with the Decentralised Administration of Thessaly and Sterea
Hellada, the Region of Sterea Hellada and the Regional Unit of Fokida.
The citizens are informed by any possible means and in such a way that no panic ensues.
Phase 3 - immediate mobilization and intervention
1st stage of dealing with forest fires: announcement
MAYOR / COMPETENT VICE MAYOR
After being informed by the Civil Protection Office of the Municipality or the competent Fire
Service that a fire has started in his territory, in agreement with the Fire Service, he orders the
immediate mobilization of the authorities involved in the initial phase.
CIVIL PROTECTION OFFICE
As soon as the Municipality Civil Protection Office is informed by the competent Fire Service
that a fire has started, it takes the following steps:
Immediate information to the Mayor/ Competent Vice Mayor, as well as to the in charge
municipality employees involved in the first phase, aiming at their immediate mobilization
according to the proper orders by the Mayor/Competent Vice Mayor.
Continuous communication with the competent Fire Service to collect further information related
to the development of the fire.
Direct communication with the Civil Protection Office of the Regional Unit of Fokida and the
Directorate for Civil Protection of the Region of Sterea Hellada to exchange information about
the event.
2nd stage of forest fire suppression operations: Force Development – Intervention
MAYOR/ COMPETENT VICE MAYOR
Decision on providing staff and means to assist, at request, the task of the Fire Service, in the
context of the Joint Decree 12030/Φ109.1/1999.
Coordination of actions and provision of necessary means and workforce within the boundaries
of the Municipality of Delphi for the confrontation of emergencies and the management of
consequences resulting from forest fires, according to Article 13 of Law 3013/2002.
Order to assist neighboring Municipalities with staff and means after proper consultation with
the Civil Protection bodies in charge.
Order for request from neighboring Municipalities, the Regional Unit of Fokida or the Region of
Sterea Hellada for assistance with materials and means to support the work of the Municipality
in coping with emergencies and managing consequences due to forest fires.
Decision making on the evacuation of civilians for life and health safety reasons, being at risk
from a progressive or impending disaster as provided by Article 18, Law 3613/2007
(Government Gazette 263 / A / 2007).
Order for convocation of the Local Coordinating Body, if necessary.
In case the fire has broken out near a waste disposal site, the Mayor / Competent Vice Mayor, in
his judgement, mobilizes the services of the Municipality in charge in order to implement the
appropriate measures and protect the site.
Informs the Deputy Head of the Region and the Secretary General of Decentralized
Administration about the current situation and proposes that the affected area be declared in state
of emergency.
LOCAL COORDINATING BODY FOR CIVIL PROTECTION
By order of the Mayor/ Competent Vice Mayor, and, if justified, the Local Coordinating Body is
summoned to a meeting over which the Mayor/ Competent Vice Mayor presides. The meeting
aims at helping the Mayor/ Competent Vice Mayor with the coordination of the authorities, the
provision of means and workforce as well as in coping with emergencies and managing
consequences due to forest fires
CIVIL PROTECTION OFFICE
It activates, by order, the Memorandum of actions in case of emergencies resulting from forest
fires.
It activates memoranda of understanding with private sectors in accordance with the relative
instructions to ensure additional resources, if required, for the support of the forest fire
suppression task carried out by the Fire Service.
From the involved competent authorities, it collects information about the progression of the fire
suppression by the Fire Service in charge, and about the damages caused or may be caused by
the development of the fire, and informs immediately the Mayor and Competent Vice Mayor.
It is in direct communication with the Civil Protection Office of the Regional Unit of Fokida and
the Directorate for Civil Protection of Decentralized Administration for reasons of mutual
information and coordination in the management of resources.
By order, it requests from neighboring Municipalities, the Regional Unit of Fokida and the
Decentralized Administration for assistance with materials and means to support the work of the
Municipality in coping with emergencies and managing consequences resulting from forest fires.
It keeps a list of the means and the staff involved (the responsibility of which falls on the
Municipality) in supporting the task of the Fire Service as well as in the confrontation of
emergencies and the management of consequences resulting from the occurrence of the
phenomenon.
It activates, if required by the current situation, the memoranda of understandings for organized
evacuation of civilians, by order of the Mayor / Competent Vice Mayor.
Takes charge of the convocation of the Local Coordinating Body by order of the Mayor/
Competent Vice Mayor and in accordance with the provisions of Article 13, Law 3013 / 2002.
It ensures that the essential needs of the civilians who have sought shelter in predefined safe
places in case of state of emergency due to forest fires (shelters) are fulfilled.
It informs the Operational Centre for Civil Protection about the development of the Municipality
actions on coping with emergencies and managing consequences.
3rd stage of forest fire suppression operations: Partial control
MAYOR – COMPETENT VICE MAYOR
Coordination of actions and provision of the necessary workforce and means, within the
boundaries of the local authority under consideration, for the confrontation of emergencies due
to forest fires, according to Article 13, Law 3013/2002, as well as of the means provided to
support with the work of the Fire Service.
Order to request further assistance from the Regional Unit of Fokida, the Decentralised
Administration or the Operational Centre for Civil Protection with materials and means to
strengthen the work of the municipality in confronting the emergency and in managing the
consequences resulting from the forest fires.
Order to assist neighboring Municipalities with staff and means in dealing with emergencies and
managing consequences resulting from forest fires, after proper consultation with the Civil
Protection bodies in charge.
CIVIL PROTECTION OFFICE
It collects information about the progression of the fire suppression operation, and about the
damages caused from the Fire Service in charge, and informs the Mayor and Competent Vice
Mayor
It keeps a list of the means and the staff involved (the responsibility of which falls on the
Municipality) in supporting the task of the Fire Service as well as in the confrontation of
emergencies and the management of consequences resulting from the occurrence of the
phenomenon.
It is in direct communication with the Civil Protection Office of the Regional Unit of Fokida and
the Directorate for Civil Protection of Decentralized Administration for reasons of mutual
information and coordination in the management of resources.
By order, it requests from neighboring Municipalities, the Regional Unit of Fokida and the
Decentralized Administration for assistance with materials and means to support the work of the
Municipality in coping with emergencies and managing consequences resulting from forest fires.
It activates, if required, memoranda of understanding with private sectors to ensure additional
resources for the confrontation of emergencies resulting from forest fires.
It ensures that the essential needs of the citizens who have sought shelter in predefined safe
places in case of state of emergency due to forest fires (shelters) are fulfilled.
It informs the Operational Centre for Civil Protection about the development of the Municipality
actions on coping with emergencies and managing consequences.
4th stage of forest fire suppression operations: Check – Protection
MAYOR – COMPETENT VICE MAYOR
Coordination of actions and provision of the necessary workforce and means, within the
boundaries of the local authority under consideration, for the confrontation of emergencies due
to forest fires, according to Article 13, Law 3013/2002.
Order to keep using, partially decrease or totally decrease the resources which have been
provided under the Mayor’s/Competent Vice Mayor’s responsibility in order to assist the Fire
Service, in consultation with the Chief Fire Officer who is in command of the operation.
Order to request further assistance from the Regional Unit of Fokida, the Decentralised
Administration or the Operational Centre for Civil Protection with materials and means to
strengthen the work of the Municipality in confronting the emergency and in managing the
consequences resulting from the forest fires.
Order to assist neighboring Municipalities with staff and means in dealing with emergencies and
managing consequences resulting from forest fires, after proper consultation with the Civil
Protection bodies in charge.
CIVIL PROTECTION OFFICE
It is in direct communication with the Civil Protection Office of the Regional Unit of Fokida and
the Directorate for Civil Protection of Decentralized Administration for reasons of mutual
information and coordination in the management of resources.
It keeps a list of the means and the staff involved (the responsibility of which falls on the
Municipality) in supporting the task of the Fire Service and, by relative order, informs the
persons in charge of the operation about the partial or total decrease of their resources.
It keeps a list of the means and the staff involved (the responsibility of which falls on the
Municipality) in the confrontation of emergencies and the management of consequences
resulting from the occurrence of the phenomenon.
It requests, by order, assistance from neighbouring Municipalities, the Regional Unit of Fokida
and the Decentralised Administration with materials and means to strengthen the work of the
Municipality in confronting the emergency and in managing the consequences resulting from
forest fires.
It informs the Operational Centre for Civil Protection about the development of the Municipality
actions on coping with emergencies and managing consequences.
5th stage of forest fire suppression operations: Total Fire Fighting
MAYOR – COMPETENT VICE MAYOR
Coordination of actions and provision of the necessary workforce and means, within the
boundaries of the local authority under consideration, for the confrontation of emergencies due
to forest fires, according to Article 13, Law 3013/2002.
Order to totally decrease the resources which have been provided under the Mayor’s/Competent
Vice Mayor’s responsibility in order to assist the Fire Service, in consultation with the Chief Fire
Officer who is in command of the operation.
Order to keep using, partially decrease or totally decrease the resources which have been
provided under the Mayor’s/Competent Vice Mayor’s responsibility in order to deal with the
emergencies and manage the consequences of forest fires.
Based on the information related to the number of houses that have been burnt down or seriously
damaged in the territory of the Municipality, a first assessment of the number of citizens who
need shelter is carried out, and the Deputy Head of the Region of Fokida and General Secretary
of Decentralized Administration are notified.
He cooperates with the Civil Protection Bodies in charge in bringing back the civilians who have
been evacuated from the affected area in which they live, in case they need transportation.
CIVIL PROTECTION OFFICE
It is in direct communication with the Civil Protection Office of the Regional Unit of Fokida and
the Directorate for Civil Protection of Decentralized Administration for reasons of mutual
information and coordination in the management of resources.
It keeps a list of the means and the staff involved (the responsibility of which falls on the
Municipality) in supporting the task of the Fire Service in the confrontation of emergencies and
the management of consequences resulting from the occurrence of the phenomenon, and
informs, by relative order, the persons in charge of the operation about the partial or total
decrease of their resources.
It collects information related to the number of houses that have been burnt down or seriously
damaged and which will most probably be uninhabitable within the territory of the Municipality,
and informs the Mayor/Competent Vice Mayor.
It informs the Operational Centre for Civil Protection about the development of the Municipality
actions on coping with emergencies and managing consequences.
4th Phase: Recovery - Relief
MAYOR – COMPETENT VICE MAYOR
He informs the Deputy Head of Sterea Hellada and the Secreterary General of Decentralized
Administration about the total number of civilians in the territory whose houses have been burnt
down or seriously damaged and for whom shelter must be found immediately.
Gives order for immediate repair of the infrastructure of their responsibility (water supply, road
network, etc.), the operation of which presents difficulties or has ceased because of the forest
fire.
Gives order to check the infrastructure and the technical works of their responsibility and within
the affected area for damage identification.
CIVIL PROTECTION OFFICE
It collects information and notifies the Mayor/Competent Vice Mayor about the total number of
civilians within the territory of the Municipality whose houses have been burnt down or
seriously damaged.
By order of the Mayor, it mobilises the competent agencies of the Municipality for immediate
check and repair of the operation of the infrastructure within the scope of their responsibility
(water supply, road network, etc.), the operation of which has ceased or malfunctions due to the
forest fire.
It sees to the immediate removal of Municipality means and materials which were used or
destroyed during the response phase.
It informs the Operations Centre for Civil Protection about the development of the recovery
actions and the management of the phenomenon consequences by the Municipality.
ORGANIZED EVACUATION OF CIVILIANS - INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND
AUTHORITIES INVOLVED
The organised evacuation of civilians, a Civil Protection action in dealing with emergencies
resulting from disasters, as in the case of forest fires, is supported institutionally by the Hellenic
Police and the Fire Service. (Law 2800 / 2000, Government Gazette 41 / Issue .A, Law 3511 /
2006, Government Gazette 258 / Issue A, Joint Decree 12030 Φ109.1 / 1999, Government
Gazette 713 / Issue B). In particular, the Hellenic Police in terms of Paragraph 3, Article 4, Joint
Decree 12030Φ 109.1 / 05.10.1999 and Article 8, Law 2800/2000, plays an important role in the
implementation of the decision to evacuate civilians. Issues related to locating and informing
civilians about their evacuation, when such a decision has been taken, in order to maintain order,
to control traffic during the evacuation and to prevent and control possible crimes against the
property of the citizens who are evacuated from the area, are the ultimate responsibility of the
local Police Authorities.
In cases in which this action involves disadvantaged people, or people with health problems, the
presence of units of the National Centre for First Aid (due to duty reasons, Law 1579/85,
Government Gazette 217/issue A) must be ensured in advance for the immediate provision of
pre-hospital medical care. Moreover, in cases when the evacuation of civilians demands sea
transportation with the use of floating boats, the presence and contribution of the local Hellenic
Coast Guard is a legal prerequisite (Presidential Decree 242 / 09.30.1999 / Government Gazette
201).
It must be noted that according to Paragraph 2, Article 18, Law 3613/2007, in addition to
everything else, the completeness of the Outline Plan to Address Emergency Needs due to Forest
Fire of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, which has been drawn up in implementation
of the Ministerial Decision 1299/7-4-2003 (approval of the General Civil Protection Plan under
the code name ‘Xenocratis’ by the Minister of Interior and Administrative Reconstruction,
Government Gazette 423 / B72003) is ensured.
It is evident that in the cases in which the decision is taken by the Mayor, the Head of the
Region or the Deputy Head of the Region in charge participate in its implementation, when
required, by providing the means and services at their disposal.
This provision does not apply when the safety and state of health of individuals who are within
the infrastructure or the facilities of authorities, which are under the supervision or comply with
more specific legislation, and the evacuation of these individuals, for reasons mentioned in the
above relevant passage (Paragraph 2, Article 18, Law 3613/2007), is the responsibility of the
administration of these authorities (facilities belonging to Armed Forces, Security Forces,
Hospitals, Children Resorts - Camps, etc.).
The decisions of these authorities for the evacuation or not of the individuals who are within the
above infrastructures or facilities must be based upon the recommendation of the Chief Officer
in-Office of the Fire Service, who acts as coordinator of the works to control the forest fire,
which may have impacts on individuals.
More specifically, in the case of countryside camps for children, the decision to evacuate the
persons within their infrastructure, in a state of emergency due to a forest fire, is defined by their
evacuation plans, drawn up in accordance with the guidelines given by the Ministry of Health
(Paragraph 3, Article 8, Joint Decree 12030 /Φ109.1 / 1999).
It is evident that in all cases the decisions taken by the authorities must be notified immediately
to the Mayor whose area is affected, as well as to the competent Deputy Head of the Region,
aiming at a better coordination of the work of Civil Protection, at the management of
consequences and at supporting the work of the administrations of the Local Authorities.
Basic Requirements and Limitations
According to the above mentioned, the body which proposes and the body which takes the
decision, as the case may be, on the implementation of the organized evacuation of civilians,
must take into account the following:
The organised evacuation of civilians is considered a preventive protection measure to be
imposed in time (while the disaster is still in progress) and the assessment of which under certain
conditions and limitations can only be carried out at local level.
The risk faced by the civilians due to forest fires comes mainly from exposure of the human
body to high temperatures caused by the heat generated by the burning of plant biomass, as well
as from exposure of the human body to combustion derivatives (such as smoke, suspended
particles, smouldering ashes, etc.) which are dispersed in the environment. Consequently, the
basis for all decisions taken on an organized evacuation of civilians in cases of forest fires should
be related primarily to the above risks. When in the course of the development of a fire, in
addition to the plant biomass, other types of combustible materials such as building materials,
waste, etc. are also burnt; the risk may vary depending on the type of the combustible material.
The Ministry of Health is responsible for issuing general instructions on civil protection from
combustion derivatives (smoke, smouldering ashes, etc.) which are dispersed in the environment
in the course of a forest fire. It is necessary that the general instructions are issued and supplied
in advance (in the phase of common preparedness), to the authority which does the assessment
and makes recommendations, and to the body which takes the decision on an organized
evacuation of the civilians. It is evident that the whole issue becomes more specialized as the
medical personnel gets involved at local level.
The decision for an organized evacuation of civilians, due to a forest fire, from a site that is
threatened by an on-going or impending disaster is taken, when the personal safety of the
civilians is at risk, which the fire fighting forces estimate that it will not be reduced, and there is
a prediction of a worsening scenario. Moreover, the decision on an organized evacuation of
civilians due to forest fires is also taken in cases where it is estimated that the risk of the civilians
staying near the area which is expected to be affected is bigger in relation to the risk involved in
their transportation to safe places.
Evacuation takes place only when the timely and efficient organization for its safe
implementation is guaranteed. Otherwise, this action can easily lead to serious consequences –
losses, and turn into a rescue operation, the responsibility for which, in the land area, lies with
the Fire Service (Paragraph b, Article 1, Law3511 / 2006).
The substantial difference between an organized evacuation of civilians and a rescue operation is
based on the fact that in the first case the civilians are at risk due to staying near the area where
the forest fire burns or at some distance from its path, while in the second case people are in
contact with the fire, or in the fire area and their personal safety is at immediate and continuous
risk requiring assistance as quickly as possible in order to avoid casualties.
Consequently, an organized evacuation of civilians is considered a measure taken to protect
them, under certain conditions and limitations, while a rescue operation is mandatory and
generally concerns small groups of civilians or individuals in a specific and limited space, in
contact, or within the fire zone of a forest fire.
The action of an organized evacuation as a preventative measure for the protection of
civilians is of a non-mandatory nature, on the basis that the civilians are informed about the
risk and the possible consequences if they stay in the area which has been decided to be
evacuated.
The evacuation must take place preferably in the territory of the body that takes the decision, i.e.
within the Municipality being affected or within the neighbouring Municipalities or within the
local Regional Unit, depending on who takes the decision, the Mayor or the Head of the Region
(or the authorized Deputy Head of the Region), in cases the disaster in progress or the impending
disaster affects more than one Municipalities. This requirement, if satisfiable, aims at a better
coordination in the phase of the materialization action, given the fact that it can be met by the
local body itself which knows the regional particularities perfectly well. The same applies to the
cases where the decision is taken by the Secretary General of the local Decentralized
Administration or by the Secretary General of Civil Protection, given the fact that their decisions
are implemented by the above mentioned bodies, the Mayor or the Head of the Region (or
authorized Deputy Head of the Region).
The places selected for the gathering of the civilians, after the organized evacuation, must meet
all hygiene and safety requirements and exclude any possibility of a new evacuation need from
them. It is clarified that the hygiene and safety conditions of these places in the case of forest
fires are not different from the ones that apply to the other gathering places, and are in
accordance with specific legislation, taking also into consideration that the civilians must be
protected from combustion derivatives (smoke, suspended particles, etc.) dispersed in the
environment during a forest fire. The Ministry of Health is responsible for issuing general
instructions on civil protection from combustion derivatives.
The registration and identification of the civilians who have moved to these places, and the
check of the situation they are in due to the disaster (loss of relatives, etc.) are taken into
consideration where appropriate.
Decision-making guidelines
Based on the above conditions and limitations, and given the international experience and
practice in planning for the implementation of an organized evacuation of civilians from affected
areas, it is advisable to note the following.
The Chief Officer of the Fire Service, acting as coordinator of the fire-fighting operation and
having the responsibility to limit the impacts of the disaster, is the only person to propose an
organized evacuation. In this context, he proposes in time and with precision the boundaries
of the area needed to carry out the action, based on the expected behaviour of the fire.
The body which takes the decision, having considered the above proposal, determines the
gathering point (a safe place), in which the Chief Heads of the bodies involved should come
(Hellenic Police, Fire Service, National Centre for First Aid, Civil Protection Officer), or if this
is not immediately feasible, their substitutes. This action is necessary in order to ensure
communication among them, gather information on the current situation as well as their
coordination. It also provides an opportunity for the immediate selection of an action plan to be
implemented by the authorities in the event of a positive decision-making on evacuation.
Subsequently, the body that makes the decision, in consultation with the Heads of the authorities
involved, must, before taking the decision, assess and ensure in time the following:
The number of persons to be evacuated, based on demographic data or other information related
to the number of persons living or staying in this region for various reasons (vacationers, tourists,
etc.). The evacuation, on the basis of risk, may not concern all civilians, but only a part of them
(children or the elderly, people with health problems, etc.).
The specification of transportation means based on the number of individuals to be evacuated
and their availability at the time the implementation of the action order is given, if they need
transportation. Ensuring transportation means in time is a key factor in decision-making. In
addition, another factor to be considered is the possibility that the civilians move away
themselves by using their own means following predefined routes, for which traffic control is
ensured.
At this point, it must be noted that finding transportation means through the requisition process is
not immediately feasible, as a relative decision according to Article 41, Law 3536/2007
(Government Gazette 42, issue A) must precede, i.e. a decision by the Prime Minister is required
following a proposal related to the issue made by the competent Minister (Paragraph 3, Article
41, Law 3536/2007). The provisions of Article 2, Paragraphs 18,19, 22, 23, Law 17/1974 do not
apply any more together with any other provision which is contrary to the provisions of Article
41, Law 3536/2007.
It must be pointed out that either public authorities (Hellenic Police, Fire Service, Armed Forces,
etc.) or private agencies (local bus companies, etc.) may ensure the means for the transportation
of the civilians. In this context, the Municipality Civil Protection Office or the Regional
Directorate for Civil Protection via the in charge Department of Civil Protection of the local
Regional Unit must be informed in advance (in the common preparedness phase) of the means
that the authorities and agencies can supply at local level in case of state of emergency during
which it is probable to implement such an action. They must also be informed of the provision
procedure, if public authorities are concerned, as well as of the provision procedure via a
memorandum of understanding, if private agencies are concerned.
The first gathering space for the civilians (meeting points) and their subsequent organized
transportation, if needed.
In case there are foreigners who need transportation (tourists, etc.), it is necessary, if feasible, to
determine a special gathering space, in order to be taken away afterwards, with the aim of having
better communication with the authorities and of providing better conditions.
In such cases, the decision having been taken, the local employee responsible for Civil
Protection informs the Operations Centre for Civil Protection of the General Secretariat for Civil
Protection which then informs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Crisis Management Unit) in order
to duly inform the Embassies of the foreign citizens.
The time needed to inform the civilians who are within the region in which the action will be
implemented, as well as the way in which they will be located and notified (door-to-door,
announcements in the Mass Media, etc.). In case there are foreigners (tourists, etc.) there must
also be announcements in foreign languages. The potentiality of traffic control and
management, in all alternative routes which the responsible police force has determined that
they can be used, having taken into consideration the estimated fire development by the Fire
Service Chief, so that there is no risk during the evacuation. This potentiality concerns routes
that will be taken by both public transport and by transportation means that will be probably used
by the civilians who will get away themselves after the announcement of the relative taken
decision.
It is clear that in any case, the routes that have been selected must by no means block the way of
the fire engines and the vehicles of other authorities which rush to support the response to the
emergency (aquifers, ambulances, etc.).
Ensuring communication among the in charge authorities involved in the implementation of
the action so as to ensure their coordination, and to provide information related to the progress of
the fire. Receiving and caring for the civilians displaced in selected safe places including
medical assistance and psycho-social support. The time required to leave the area (for
example, 6 hours) until the risk is minimized. This assessment concerns primarily the civilians
residing in the area. Dealing with the return of the displaced civilians who live in the area, if
transportation is required. Given the difficulty of taking and implementing such decisions, the
current Mayors in charge, whose areas are affected, if this is possible within the time limits
allowed by the progress of the fire, may immediately convene a meeting of the Local
Coordinating Body to assist with their work; and the Deputy Heads of the Region may also
convene a meeting of the Coordinating Body for Civil Protection of the local Regional Unity to
assist with their work.
Moreover, it must be noted that the main objective of the convocation of the above mentioned
bodies in the case of forest fires is the coordination of the bodies in dealing with emergencies
and the immediate / short-term management of the consequences caused by them, as well as the
provision of means in support of the fire-fighting operation carried out under the authority of the
Fire Service.
In addition, the social protection of civilians who cope with a state of emergency due to a forest
fire is directly supported by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, via the Municipalities
and the Regions, where necessary, to cover basic needs (accommodation - food), and then by the
Ministry of Health via the Welfare Services of the Local Authorities.
PLAN OF ACTION
The actions carried out gradually in an organized evacuation of people are described as follows:
1. Assessment of the situation and proposal by the current Chief Officer of the Fire Service to
the Mayor in charge or the Head of the Region (or his authorized Deputy Head of the Region),
etc.
2. Immediate determination of the meeting place for the authorities mainly involved
(Hellenic Police, Fire Service, National Emergency Aid Centre) by the body responsible for
taking the decision, Mayor, Head of the Region (or the authorized Deputy Head of the Region)
etc. It must be pointed out that this action does not exclude a meeting on the spot of the Local
Coordinating Bodies in charge or the Coordinating Bodies for Civil Protection of the local
Regional Units, if the progress of the fire allows it.
3. Decision taking for the evacuation or non-evacuation by the Mayor or Head of the Region
in charge (or authorized Deputy Head of the Region) or the Secretary General of the local
Decentralized Administration or the Secretary General of Civil Protection, in accordance with
the provisions of Paragraph 2, Article 18, Law 3613/2007 and the guidelines mentioned above.
4. Public information, after the decision for the evacuation has been taken. The public
announcement of the decision to inform the public should be issued under the responsibility of
the authority which takes the decision. The announcement must contain the following basic
information:
Who made the decision and who is responsible for its execution.
Clearly determine the boundaries of the area from which the evacuation must take place, and the
risk people will face if they remain within it.
Clearly determine if there is a reason for a total evacuation or evacuation of certain groups, and
in this case determine to which groups must priority be given (people with breathing problems,
children, elderly, etc.).
Determine when and where (meeting points) the civilians will gather, if they need transportation,
as well as the belongings they can carry with them.
Determine the expected duration of the evacuation process, as well as the place of destination.
Establish the safe routes as well as any one-way streets which the people who move away using
their own means can follow.
Mention the welfare support available at the place of destination.
Give instructions as to the protection of the property of the civilians who move away. It must be
pointed out that it is of considerable importance for the Mass Media, which will accept to make
the announcement, to provide the public with a single and complete description of the situation.
However, besides the local and national Mass Media which will make the announcement, the
main action of informing the public about the decision made and the time the evacuation will
start must be principally based on the methods and the practices which, at local level, ensure the
location first and then the information of the public about the risk they run if the remain in the
area (door-to-door, vehicle that goes around the place and gives the necessary information,
combination of both these methods). In this case, the primary responsibility for the
implementation of the action lies on the local Police Authorities, which can be supported by the
municipal employees or by the Municipal Police, if there is one. Another advantage of
employing these methods of information is the possibility of immediate listing of civilians who
wish to move away but do not have their own means or need special transportation (patients,
mobility impaired persons, etc.). This information will lead to a more reasonable and accurate
estimate of the means required for an organized evacuation of the civilians.
5. Taking/performing partial actions on the basis of the Action Plan, which has been selected
to be followed by all authorities involved, prior to the announcement of the decision, under the
body which is responsible for the general coordination, and which has taken the decision for
action or which has been authorized to carry out the action.
It must be stressed that the local Police Authorities are responsible for the actions which concern
order maintenance and traffic control during evacuation, as well as prevention and control of any
possible crimes against the property of the civilians who have moved away.
6. Termination of partial actions and gradual withdrawal of involved authorities, following an
announcement issued by the body which has the overall coordination.
7. Recording and assessment of the work done by the person responsible for Civil Protection.
It is obvious that the selection of the action plan to be followed by the authorities involved is a
process dictated mainly by the expected progress of the fire, the particularities of the region and
the resources available for the implementation of the action.
The civilians and the bodies involved must clearly keep in mind who makes the decisions or
is authorized to perform the above mentioned action - the Mayor or Head of the Region (or
authorized Deputy Head of the Region in charge)- and as a consequence has the overall
coordination of partial actions required for the implementation of the action plan.
TRAFFIC PROHIBITION
In cases of risky situations, the measure of prohibition of vehicular traffic and the measure of
prohibiting the excursionists to remain in national parks, forests and other environmentally
"sensitive" areas during the days and hours that are considered hazardous can be taken. In order
to take this decision, the Deputy Head of the Region calls a meeting of the Coordinating Body
for Civil Protection of the Regional Unit of Fokida, after taking into account the particularities of
the region for which he is responsible (decision by Deputy Minister 4110 / 10.6.2011).
IMPORTANT: Requests for assistance to support the work of the Municipality with materials
and means that cannot be provided by the Region of Sterea Hellada or the Decentralized
Administration, in order to deal with current disasters and states of emergency that may be
caused by forest fires, can be submitted to the Operations Centre of the General Secretariat for
Civil Protection.
RISK CATEGORIES OF DAILY FIRE SEVERITY INDEX (FSI) MAP
The Daily Fire Severity Index Map shows the administrative boundaries of the country's forestry
Departments, which are considered as a minimum geographical department for which the risk is
assessed. The above mentioned map shows the risk categories low, medium, high and very high,
graded correspondingly with numbers from 1 to 4. The category number 5, as a rule, rarely
appears on the map. This category corresponds to state of Alert.
More specifically, the risk categories of the Daily Fire Severity Index Map are described as
follows:
Risk Category 1 (Low): The risk is low. The probability of a fire breaking out is not significantly
high. In case a fire breaks out, the conditions (combustible materials, weather conditions) will
not favour its rapid spread.
Risk Category 2 (Medium): The risk is usual during the summer season. Fires, likely to break
out, are expected to be of medium difficulty to deal with.
Risk Category 3 (High): The risk is high. It is probable that an increased number of fires will
break out, many of which will be difficult to deal with when local conditions are favourable (soil
morphology, local winds, etc.).
Risk Category 4 (Very High): The risk is particularly high. The number of fires likely to break
out may be great but, most importantly, each fire can spread widely if not controlled from the
start.
Risk Category 5 (State of ALERT): The risk is extreme. The number of fires expected to break
out may be very large. All fires likely to break out can spread widely and may display extreme
behaviour immediately after the start. The difficulty of control is expected to be enormous until
the conditions under which fires develop change.
FIRE LOOKOUT TOWERS
Since the beginning of July and for a period of two months, during which the most intense
xerothermic phenomena appear in the area of the Municipality of Delphi, fire lookout towers will
be set up, in consultation with the Presidents of the Municipal / Local Communities and the Fire
Service if there is enough staff or in cooperation with volunteers.
In cases of risk categories 3 or higher the vehicle patrols will be intensified in the areas
indicated by the Fire Service.