Municipality of Kissamos closes Balos and Topolia Gorge routes over wildfire risk
The Municipality of Kissamos in Chania has temporarily closed walking routes to and from Balos and the Topolia Gorge because of strong winds and a high risk of wildfire, it announced on August 28.
According to the announcement, all routes leading to and from Balos, along with the Topolia Gorge, are closed until further notice. The municipality said the measure is meant to protect residents and visitors, as forecast winds are expected to significantly raise the danger of a fire breaking out in the area.
Municipality urges caution
Residents and visitors were asked to avoid the affected areas for as long as the conditions persist, and to refrain from any outdoor work that could produce a spark. The municipality said it would issue an update on reopening the routes once conditions allow, adding that “safety for everyone is a priority.”
The closure adds to a string of precautionary measures taken across Crete this summer. Civil protection authorities have repeatedly closed forests, gorges and trails across the island whenever wildfire risk ratings spike.
Such restrictions are common practice on the island during periods of elevated fire danger. Visits to Crete’s gorges and other trail networks are frequently suspended when conditions turn hazardous.
Balos has also drawn scrutiny this summer over trail safety. A French tourist died following a hike between Balos and Falasarna during a heatwave, underscoring the risks of walking the region’s exposed coastal trails in extreme conditions.
