Civil Protection authorities have issued a Red Code alert for the regional units of Chios, Samos, Ikaria, Kalymnos, Kos, and the Region of Crete, due to an anticipated very high wildfire risk reaching danger category 4. Relevant state agencies, regional authorities, and municipalities have already been briefed to remain on full operational standby, ready to respond immediately to any fire-related incident.
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45 wildfires broke out within a single 24-hour period
A total of 45 forest and rural fires were recorded across the country within a 24-hour period. The most significant operations took place in Evia, Thessaloniki, Boeotia, Chalkidiki, and Crete, as the state emergency mechanism braces for elevated fire danger on Wednesday, July 15. According to Civil Protection authorities, among the key incidents was a forest fire in the rural area of Aliveri, Evia. A large firefighting force was deployed to the scene, two emergency alerts were issued via the 112 emergency notification system, and a total of 80 firefighters, ground units, 12 aerial assets, and surveillance drones were mobilized. The fire has since been contained and no active front remains. Similar large-scale responses were mounted in Vasilika and Peraia in Thessaloniki, Ypato in Boeotia, Psakoudia in Chalkidiki, and Knossos in Crete, where visitors were evacuated from the archaeological site as a precautionary measure. Fires that broke out in Oinofyta (Boeotia), Messinia, and Rodopi were swiftly brought under control, limiting any risk of further spread.
On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the Fire Danger Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection forecasts a very high fire risk (danger category 4) for the regional units of Chios, Samos, Ikaria, Kalymnos, Kos, and the Region of Crete.
Citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution and to avoid any outdoor activities that could accidentally start a fire. Special care is required when using spark-generating machinery, operating outdoor barbecues, using beehive smokers, and when disposing of lit cigarettes. It is also a reminder that burning of fields and crop residues is strictly prohibited throughout the entire fire season.
