Deadline for clearing overgrown plots expires today as inspections set to begin

The deadline for property owners in Greece to clear overgrown plots expires today, Monday, June 22, with authorities warning that inspections will begin immediately afterward and that no further extension will be granted.

According to Kostas Tsigas, president of the Union of Fire Service Officers, around 610,000 declarations had been submitted by Monday morning.

Owners, usufruct holders, tenants and subtenants are required to clear their properties and maintain them throughout the entire wildfire season.

Once the work has been completed, property owners must submit a declaration through the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection’s dedicated online platform. Those unable to use the digital service may submit their declaration through Citizens’ Service Centres (KEP) or local Fire Service offices.

Inspections begin on Tuesday

Municipal authorities and the Hellenic Fire Service will begin inspections on Tuesday, June 23, while reports submitted by citizens will also be taken into account.

According to fire service officials, inspections will focus primarily on areas considered to be at the highest wildfire risk. Municipalities are also expected to clear neglected plots where necessary, with the cost of the work charged to the responsible property owners.

Fire Service officials clarified that their role is limited to investigating complaints, while municipalities are responsible for imposing fines and confirming violations. Relevant information is then forwarded to the Ministry of Finance through the appropriate administrative channels.

Authorities are placing particular emphasis on areas where urban development borders forests, Natura-protected sites, critical infrastructure and locations where accumulated vegetation could contribute to the outbreak or rapid spread of wildfires.

Deputy Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas reiterated that municipalities have primary responsibility for the inspections, assisted by local fire services. He also confirmed that the government will not grant another extension to the deadline, saying the decision was based on recommendations from the national Risk Assessment Committee.

The minister also urged municipalities to complete their own clearance work promptly and establish designated collection points for branches and other vegetation waste so residents know where to dispose of materials safely.

Fines and penalties

Under the relevant ministerial decision, failure to comply may result in the following penalties:

• A €500 fine for failing to both clear a plot and submit the required declaration.
• A €100 fine for clearing a plot but failing to submit the declaration.
• A fine of €1 per square metre for uncleared plots or open spaces, with a minimum penalty of €200 and a maximum of €2,000.
• Municipal authorities may carry out the clearance themselves and recover the associated costs from the property owner.
• Filing a false declaration may lead to criminal penalties, including a prison sentence of at least six months and a €5,000 fine.

What property owners must do

The regulations primarily apply to plots located within city plans, residential areas and land situated within 100 metres of those areas, provided the land is not classified under forest legislation.

Required maintenance includes removing dry vegetation and plant debris, pruning trees and thinning shrubs, collecting and disposing of vegetation waste, removing flammable materials and rubbish, and maintaining low levels of combustible vegetation throughout the wildfire season.