The 2026 wildfire season comes with a new and clearer framework for the mandatory cleaning of plots of land, as the new Joint Ministerial Decision (Government Gazette B’ 2323/24.4.2026) sets June 15 as the final deadline (compared with May 31 in 2024 and April 30 in 2025).
The measure applies to plots located within urban planning zones or settlement boundaries, uncovered spaces, land within 100 metres of settlements (provided it is not subject to forest legislation), as well as out-of-plan properties with buildings. Exemptions include cultivated land, as well as landscaped and maintained gardens or planted areas of apartment buildings and other facilities.
Responsibility lies first with the person using the property, such as a tenant, subtenant, possessor or usufructuary. If none of these exists, responsibility passes to the owner. The required works go beyond simply cutting grass and include the removal of dry vegetation, branches, plant residues, pine needles, thinning of shrubs, pruning of trees, and removal of flammable or abandoned objects.
In some cases, the municipality may undertake collection upon request, with the cost charged to the interested party.
It is also important that residents are responsible for safely transporting the residues to locations designated by the municipality, such as brown bins, green points, or licensed facilities. In some cases, the municipality may also undertake collection upon request, at the owner’s expense.
After the cleaning is completed, a declaration must be submitted on the platform of the National Registry for Preventive Fire Protection. Physical submission through Citizens’ Service Centres (KEP) or the Fire Service is also possible for people over 67 years old, persons with disabilities, or in cases of force majeure.
Fines for failure to clean are set at €1 per square metre (with a minimum of €200 and a maximum of €2,000). Failure to submit a declaration carries a €500 fine (€100 if the plot has in fact been cleaned), while a false declaration results in a €5,000 fine and criminal penalties.
Source: Κathimerini
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