Crete Locals

Crete under “Red Code” again as fire risk reaches very high level

· By CreteLocals Editorial Team
Crete under "Red Code" again as fire risk reaches very high level

The Region of Crete remained under a “Red Code” mobilization status on Sunday, August 16, 2026, as Greece’s General Secretariat for Civil Protection forecast a “Very High” wildfire risk, category 4, for the island, according to the daily Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the agency’s Forecasting Team.

Crete was one of several areas placed under Red Code, alongside the Region of Attica (including the island of Kythira), the Regional Units of Boeotia and Evia within the Region of Central Greece (including the island of Skyros), and the Cyclades Regional Unit in the Region of the South Aegean.

What Red Code means

Civil Protection said the Red Code status calls for full mobilization, with the necessary personnel, equipment and resources deployed to prepare for potential emergencies and to manage the consequences of any destructive event, along with short-term recovery and support measures to mitigate damage.

Municipalities and regional authorities in the affected areas have been asked to immediately convene their Local Operational Coordination Bodies for Civil Protection (TESOPP) and Regional Operational Coordination Bodies for Civil Protection (PESOPP) to review readiness and response measures for forest fires. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection said it had already notified the relevant state services, regions and municipalities in the listed areas to remain on heightened alert.

Fire Service on standby

Due to the ongoing difficult conditions, the Fire Service’s second stage of operational readiness remains in effect, with increased aerial surveillance patrols as well as patrols by Fire Service, Police and Military personnel. Fire Service staff in the affected regional units are on partial standby to handle any increased operational demands linked to the very high fire risk.

The Civil Protection Action Plan for addressing forest fire risks has also been activated for these areas. Among other measures, it provides for the preventive restriction of vehicle traffic and visitor access to national parks, forests and other vulnerable areas.

Guidance for the public

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection urged residents to be particularly careful and to avoid outdoor activities that could cause fires through negligence, such as burning dry grass, branches or cleanup debris, using spark-producing machinery such as circular saws or welding equipment, using outdoor grills, smoking out beehives, or discarding lit cigarettes. The agency also reminded the public that burning agricultural fields is prohibited during the fire season.

Anyone who spots a fire is asked to immediately contact the Fire Service at 199. Further information and self-protection guidance regarding forest fire risks is available on the General Secretariat for Civil Protection’s website, civilprotection.gov.gr.

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