Greek authorities have issued a very high wildfire risk warning for Tuesday, July 14, covering parts of Crete and the Aegean islands as weather conditions are expected to favor the rapid spread of fires.
According to the Fire Risk Forecast Map published by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, Category 4 (Very High Risk) has been declared for the following areas:
- North Aegean: Chios, Samos and Ikaria
- South Aegean: Rhodes, Kos, Kalymnos and Karpathos
- Crete: The regional units of Heraklion and Lasithi
Several other parts of Greece are expected to face a high wildfire risk (Category 3).
In response, the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has placed all relevant emergency services on heightened alert. Regional authorities, municipalities and other state agencies have also been notified to ensure they are fully prepared to respond quickly to any wildfire outbreaks.
Officials warned that the forecast weather conditions could allow fires to spread rapidly and urged the public to exercise extreme caution when outdoors.
Residents and visitors are advised to avoid activities that could accidentally ignite a fire, including using machinery that produces sparks, lighting outdoor barbecues, burning vegetation or agricultural waste, and discarding lit cigarettes. Authorities also reminded the public that the burning of fields and crop residues remains prohibited throughout the wildfire season.
“The protection of human life, property and the natural environment is everyone’s responsibility. Following fire prevention measures is the most effective way to prevent wildfires,” the ministry said.
Anyone who spots smoke or a fire is urged to immediately contact the Fire Service by calling 199 or the emergency number 112 and follow instructions issued by the authorities.
