Knossos to Get Early-Warning Fire Detection System
A new fire-detection station will be installed near the archaeological site of Knossos after authorities approved its location at Afentis Christos, in the Skalani community of Heraklion.
The Early Fire Detection Station will monitor the area for signs of fire and immediately alert the relevant authorities, strengthening protection for one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites.
The project follows a major wildfire that recently broke out close to the Minoan palace, highlighting the growing risks facing the site during the summer fire season.
The station is being developed under Greece’s “AIGIS” National Civil Protection Programme, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility. It forms part of a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection to install early fire-detection and warning systems at 22 archaeological sites across Greece.
The approval includes conditions intended to protect the area’s archaeological and natural environment. All excavation work must be carried out under the supervision of the Heraklion Ephorate of Antiquities. Work must stop if archaeological remains are discovered so that the required investigation can take place.
Authorities have also stipulated that the final 500 metres of the existing dirt access road must remain unpaved. Property issues and all required permits must be settled before construction, while any future alteration to the project will require new approval from the Ministry of Culture.
Once the station becomes operational, Knossos will join Greece’s national fire-prevention and early-warning network, improving protection for a site of global cultural significance as wildfire risks continue to increase.
