Greece issues Red Code wildfire alert for multiple regions

wildfire risk Red Code alert weather forecast civil protection heatwave

Greece is facing high wildfire risks and variable weather conditions for Sunday, August 16, 2026. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has issued a Red Code alert, placing several regions under category 4 high risk. These areas include Attica (including Kythira), Boeotia, Evia (including Skyros), the Cyclades, and the entire Crete region. Under the Red Code status, emergency services, including the Fire Service, are on high operational readiness, with increased aerial and ground patrols.

Weather forecasts indicate generally clear skies across much of the country, though localized clouds and potential light rain are expected in northern Crete and the mountainous areas of Epirus. Temperatures are expected to rise slightly in eastern regions, with highs reaching 35 degrees Celsius in parts of the mainland and the Dodecanese. Strong winds are forecasted in the Aegean, reaching up to 7 Beaufort, which may impact maritime activities. Authorities have urged citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid activities in rural areas that could trigger fires.

Entities

Aegean Sea · Attica · Crete · Cyclades · General Secretariat for Civil Protection · Greece · Kostas Lagouvardos · National Meteorological Service · National Observatory of Athens

Claims

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

[○ 1 SOURCE] The Rhodope region was designated with a high fire risk (Category 3) for August 16, 2026. www.thrakikiagora.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] Winds in the Cyclades were expected to reach 9 Beaufort. www.thestival.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Wind gusts south of Crete were expected to exceed 100 km/h. www.thestival.gr
[● 7 SOURCES] The General Secretariat for Civil Protection issued fire risk maps for mid-August 2026. www.thrakikiagora.gr · www.eleftherostypos.gr · www.thestival.gr · www.larissanet.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] A Red Code (Category 4 - Very High Risk) was activated for several Greek regions on August 15, 2026. www.thestival.gr
[● 5 SOURCES] Attica, Evia, Boeotia, the Cyclades, and Crete were placed under Red Code status on August 16, 2026. www.eleftherostypos.gr · www.larissanet.gr
[● 5 SOURCES] The Civil Protection Action Plan allows for the preventive prohibition of vehicle traffic and excursions in forests and national parks. www.larissanet.gr · greekcitytimes.com
[DISPUTED] The Fire Service is maintained at the second stage of operational readiness. www.larissanet.gr · greekcitytimes.com
[● 5 SOURCES] The Red Code status applies to Attica (including Kythira), Boeotia, Evia (including Skyros), the Cyclades, and Crete. www.larissanet.gr · greekcitytimes.com
[● 5 SOURCES] Several Greek regions are under Red Code status due to a Category 4 wildfire risk. www.larissanet.gr · greekcitytimes.com
[● 5 SOURCES] Authorities have increased aerial surveillance and patrols by fire, police, and military forces. www.larissanet.gr · greekcitytimes.com