Crete rated high wildfire risk for Tuesday, August 25, civil protection says

Crete is under a high, category 3 risk of wildfire today, Tuesday, August 25, according to the daily forecast map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection. The warning covers all four of the island’s regional units — Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno and Lasithi.

Authorities said the elevated risk level has put fire and civil protection services on increased alert, since any blaze that breaks out under these conditions could spread quickly. The rating follows a high wildfire risk recorded for Crete on Monday, August 24, and comes as hot, dry weather persists across the island.

The continued dry conditions coincide with a broader heatwave affecting Greece through August 26, with Crete’s temperatures expected to remain high.

Fire prevention measures

Civil protection officials urged residents to avoid actions that could spark a fire, including burning dry grass and branches, using tools that produce sparks, operating grinders or welding equipment, and lighting outdoor barbecues. Residents were also asked to avoid discarding lit cigarettes or flammable material in rural or forested areas.

Anyone who spots smoke or a fire is asked to notify the Fire Service immediately by calling 199 or the European emergency number 112.