Greece issues extreme wildfire alerts for Crete and South Aegean

wildfire risk civil protection heatwave Greece emergency measures

Greece is facing extreme wildfire risks due to a prolonged heatwave and strong winds. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has issued high-level alerts across several regions.

For Saturday, August 29, 2026, an extreme fire risk (Category 5) is predicted for Crete and the South Aegean, specifically Rhodes and Karpathos. Very high risk (Category 4) is expected in Attica, Central Greece (Evia), the North Aegean (Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria), the Cyclades, Kalymnos, Kos, and Laconia.

Authorities have implemented several preventive measures, including bans on movement and presence in forest areas, Natura sites, and specific parks to protect human life and the environment. In regions like Zakynthos, East Attica, and Western Macedonia, restrictions on vehicles and pedestrians are in effect.

Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Evangelos Tournas, has called for increased readiness among all civil protection and firefighting services. Citizens are urged to avoid any activities that could cause sparks, such as burning dry grass, using machinery, or outdoor barbecues.

Entities

Attica · Crete · Diktaio Andro · Evangelos Tournas · Evangelos Turnas · General Secretariat for Civil Protection · Lasithi Regional Unit · Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection · Municipality of Agios Nikolaos · Rhodes · South Aegean · Thesprotia

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Thesprotia is under Risk Category 4, triggering a 24-hour ban on movement and staying in various forest areas. www.paramythia-online.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Municipality of Agios Nikolaos has implemented a ban on transit and staying in areas including Azilako Forest and Kritsa Gorge. latofm.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Diktaio Andro archaeological site is closed to the public for the duration of Friday. fonimaleviziou.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] A total ban on movement and staying in forests, protected areas, and mountain paths is in effect in the Lasithi Regional Unit. fonimaleviziou.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Violations of fire prevention bans can result in administrative fines of 300 euros. www.ertnews.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] Attica and Evia are under very high fire risk (Category 4) for Saturday, August 29, 2026. rpn.gr · www.rethemnosnews.gr
[● 17 SOURCES] The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has issued fire risk warnings for various Greek regions. rpn.gr · www.ertnews.gr · www.rethemnosnews.gr · cretaone.gr · fonimaleviziou.gr · +12 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Western Macedonia regions, including Kastoria, Florina, and Kozani, faced Category 3 fire risk on Friday, August 28, 2026. www.ertnews.gr
[● 9 SOURCES] Crete and the South Aegean (Rhodes and Karpathos) are under extreme fire risk (Category 5) for Saturday, August 29, 2026. www.rethemnosnews.gr · www.tromaktiko.gr · www.insider.gr · www.haniotika-nea.gr · www.emakedonia.gr · +4 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Authorities have implemented bans on movement and presence in specific forest areas and Natura sites. rpn.gr · www.ertnews.gr · fonimaleviziou.gr · latofm.gr · ermisnews.gr · +2 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Restrictions on movement and presence are in effect for Natura areas and forest ecosystems in East Attica. rpn.gr · www.tromaktiko.gr · www.insider.gr · www.haniotika-nea.gr · www.emakedonia.gr · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Prohibitions on movement and presence in forest areas and Natura sites have been implemented in Western Macedonia. www.ertnews.gr