A very high wildfire risk (Category 4) has been forecast for parts of Crete tomorrow, according to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.

Specifically, a Category 4 (very high) wildfire risk is forecast for:

• Crete Region: Regional Units of Rethymno, Heraklion, and Lasithi

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has informed all relevant state authorities, as well as regional and local governments in the affected areas, to remain on heightened alert in order to respond immediately to any wildfire incidents.

Accordingly, the Hellenic Fire Service announced that Stage 2 operational readiness remains in effect. Aerial surveillance patrols will be increased, along with ground patrols by fire, police, and military forces.

In addition, personnel at Fire Service units in the affected regional units will remain on partial alert to meet the increased operational demands that may arise due to the very high wildfire risk.

At the same time, the Civil Protection Action Plan for addressing forest fire risks remains in force. Among other measures, it provides for preventive restrictions on vehicle access and visitors to national parks, forests, and other high-risk areas.

The Fire Service is also urging the public to:

1. Exercise extreme caution and avoid activities in the countryside that could accidentally start a fire, such as burning dry grass, branches or garden waste, using machinery that generates sparks (such as power saws or welding equipment), operating outdoor barbecues, smoking beehives, or discarding lit cigarettes. Authorities also remind the public that burning agricultural fields is prohibited throughout the wildfire season.
2. Follow wildfire prevention information available on the Fire Service’s official website and social media accounts on Facebook and X.
3. Immediately report any wildfire by calling the Fire Service emergency number 199.

Finally, the Fire Service urges all citizens to remain especially vigilant and, in the event of a wildfire, to strictly follow the instructions issued by the competent authorities.

For more information and self-protection guidelines, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at www.civilprotection.gr.