Greece faces very high wildfire risk and dozens of forest fires

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection issued a fire‑danger map showing a very high (category 4) risk for the whole of Crete and several Aegean islands on 15‑16 July 2026, prompting bans on open fires, barbecues, fireworks and other ignition sources. Authorities placed the western mainland on a yellow alert (category 3) and warned residents to stay vigilant.

At the same time, multiple large fires broke out. In the Melidochori area of Heraklion (Crete) a fast‑moving blaze forced the activation of the 112 emergency line and the evacuation of nearby villages; up to 85 firefighters, several ground crews, four helicopters and additional aircraft were deployed. In Thessaloniki, the Souroti fire required 75 firefighters, five aircraft and two helicopters, with evacuation orders issued for the northern part of the settlement. Separate fires were reported in Neochoorouda (near the French River) and in the vicinity of the Egnatia highway in Kavala, each mobilising dozens of firefighters and aerial assets.

Overall, 45 forest‑fire incidents were recorded across Greece in a 24‑hour period, prompting widespread alerts, restrictions on outdoor activities, and the deployment of extensive ground and aerial firefighting resources.