The relevant authorities have been placed on alert as extreme fire danger is forecast for tomorrow, Friday (August 28), in Rethymno, Heraklion, Lasithi, Rhodes and Karpathos. At the same time, the risk of fire is very high in the Ionian Islands, Thesprotia, Preveza, Lesbos, Samos, Ikaria, Kalymnos, Kos and Chania, as well as the regional units of the Cyclades, Kalymnos and Kos, which belong to the South Aegean region.

Against this backdrop, the following areas have been placed under mobilization status (Red Code) for tomorrow:

1. The Regional Units of Lesbos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria in the North Aegean Region
2. The South Aegean Region
3. The Region of Crete
4. The Ionian Islands Region
5. The Regional Units of Preveza and Thesprotia in the Epirus Region

Meanwhile, the Civil Protection coordinating body met today, Thursday (August 27), in the presence of Minister Evangelos Tournas, following an invitation from Civil Protection Secretary-General Nikos Papaefstathiou.

During the meeting, Tournas stressed that conditions remain particularly difficult, as prolonged heat has dried out vegetation and other combustible material in many areas, significantly increasing the risk of fires breaking out and spreading rapidly, particularly as winds strengthen.

He said that, based on tomorrow’s risk assessment, authorities have already repositioned and reinforced firefighting forces in areas where necessary, with the aim of responding quickly to any new incidents. He also stressed that winds will be very strong and called on all agencies involved to remain on maximum alert and ensure that personnel and equipment are deployed in the field so that any new fires can be detected and dealt with immediately.

Fire danger forecast for Friday, August 28

According to the Fire Danger Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the following is forecast for tomorrow, Friday, August 28, 2026:

Extreme fire danger — State of Alert (Danger Category 5) in:

1. Crete — Regional Units of Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi
2. South Aegean — Regional Units of Rhodes and Karpathos

Very high fire danger (Danger Category 4) in:

1. Ionian Islands Region
2. Epirus Region — Regional Units of Thesprotia and Preveza
3. North Aegean Region — Regional Units of Lesbos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria
4. South Aegean Region — Cyclades, Kalymnos and Kos
5. Crete — Regional Unit of Chania

Authorities on alert over extreme fire danger

Under Red Code mobilization status, the National Mechanism for Crisis Management and Civil Protection is placed on full mobilization, deploying the necessary personnel, equipment and resources to prepare for an imminent threat, respond to emergencies and manage the consequences of a disaster. Short-term recovery, relief and support measures are also initiated to mitigate the effects of a disaster.

As part of these measures, municipalities and regions in the areas listed above have been asked to immediately convene their Local Operational Civil Protection Coordination Bodies (TESOPP) and Regional Operational Civil Protection Coordination Bodies (PESOPP), respectively, to address preparedness and response to the threat of forest fires.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has already notified all relevant government agencies, regions and municipalities in the affected areas so that they can remain at heightened operational readiness for the immediate response to any fires.

Fire Service personnel will remain on alert, while increased checks will be carried out to ensure compliance with restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles in forests, national parks and other vulnerable areas, in accordance with decisions by the competent authorities.

Representatives of the relevant agencies will be physically present at the National Coordination Center for Operations and Crisis Management (ESKEDIK) to ensure immediate coordination and rapid decision-making. The deployment of specialized Fire Service operational units will also be strengthened, including the Special Motorized Firefighting Operations Unit (METPE) and Special Forest Operations Units (EMODE).

Patrols will be conducted by personnel from the Fire Service’s Directorate for Arson Crime Investigation and its Arson Crime Investigation Units. Aerial surveillance flights with firefighting aircraft will be carried out to enable immediate detection and intervention where necessary.

In addition, Fire Service teams equipped with unmanned aerial systems (drones), along with mobile drone centers, will be deployed to strengthen continuous aerial surveillance of areas facing extreme and high fire danger.

The Armed Forces will conduct scheduled patrols and staff designated fire lookout posts around the clock. A representative of the General Staff of National Defence/Joint Branches of the Armed Forces Crisis Management Center will be present at the National Operations Center.

Engineering equipment will be on standby and dispersed throughout the affected areas so it can respond immediately if required. The Hellenic Police, Hellenic Coast Guard, regional Civil Protection mechanisms, Forestry Service, HEDNO, IPTO and EKAV will also remain on heightened alert.

Authorities urge citizens to exercise extreme caution

The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection is strongly urging citizens to exercise the greatest possible caution and avoid any outdoor activity that could accidentally cause a fire, including burning dry grass, branches and garden waste; using equipment that produces sparks, such as circular saws and welding equipment; using outdoor grills; smoking bees; throwing away lit cigarettes; and any other activity that could cause ignition.

Citizens are also reminded that burning agricultural fields is prohibited throughout the entire fire-prevention season.

Anyone who notices a fire is asked to immediately notify the Fire Service by calling 199.

Fire Service instructions

As part of its ongoing public information and awareness campaign, the Fire Service reminds citizens that the country’s fire-prevention season lasts until October 31.

In particular, the Fire Service strongly advises citizens:

• To be extremely careful and avoid any outdoor activity that could cause a fire.
• To consult their local Fire Service regarding:
  • prohibited activities and activities that are permitted only under specific conditions in outdoor areas;
  • the required fire-protection measures and equipment;
  • the current fire-danger category, according to the daily Fire Danger Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection; and
  • any other relevant information.
• To follow announcements concerning forest fires on the Fire Service website, .
• To seek self-protection guidance concerning forest-fire risks from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, .

If you see smoke or flames

If you see smoke, flames or anything that could lead to a fire:

Immediately call 199 or 112 and provide clear information about:

• your location and exact position;
• the exact location and direction of the fire;
• the strength of the wind in the area; and
• the type of vegetation that is burning.

Leave the area immediately and follow the instructions of the competent authorities.

Help keep access routes clear so that firefighting forces can reach the area.