In heat emergency, Greece adds checks for fires, power cuts

Greek authorities are ordering additional fire patrols and infrastructure maintenance inspections as the country grapples with a heat wave expected to last more than a week

ATHENS -- Greek authorities ordered additional fire patrols and infrastructure maintenance inspections Friday as the country grappled with a heat wave fed by hot air from Africa that is expected to last more than a week. The emergency measures will also include efforts to create more air-conditioned areas open to the public in cities around Greece and at refugee camps, though the efforts are complicated by COVID-19 pandemic-related limits on how many people can gather together. Temperatures in Greece and nearby countries in southeast Europe are expected to climb to 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 F) in many cities and towns on Monday and ease only later next week. Officials said the additional inspections were aimed at preventing water and power outages, with the increased use of air conditioning testing the country's energy capacity.