Greece issues very high fire risk warning for Attica, Crete, and Aegean islands on July 30
The Greek Civil Protection authority has placed Attica, Crete, the Cyclades, and parts of the Peloponnese, Central Greece, and the North Aegean under a category 4 (very high) fire risk warning for Thursday, triggering increased patrols and access restrictions.
Risk forecast
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has issued a Fire Risk Prediction Map for Thursday, July 30, 2026, forecasting very high fire risk (category 4) across six regions. The areas placed under the orange alert are Attica (including the island of Kythira), the Peloponnese (the regional units of Corinthia, Argolida, Arcadia, and Laconia), Central Greece (Boeotia, Phthiotis, Phocis, and Euboea including Skyros), the North Aegean (Lesbos, Chios, Samos, and Ikaria), the South Aegean (the Cyclades), and Crete. Several other parts of the country will be at high risk (category 3, yellow).
The warning reflects a combination of weather conditions that make ignition and rapid spread of wildfires more likely. The map is the official tool used to coordinate the state's preparedness and to inform the public.
Operational readiness
In response to the category 4 forecast, the 2nd stage of operational readiness of the Fire Service is in effect. Aerial surveillance patrols will be increased, and ground patrols by fire, police, and military forces will be deployed across the at-risk regions. Fire service personnel in the affected regional units are on partial alert to handle the higher operational demands that may arise.
The Civil Protection Action Plan for forest fires remains active for these areas. Among its provisions is a preventive ban on vehicle traffic and the stay of excursionists in national parks, forests, and other vulnerable zones. The General Secretariat has notified all relevant state services, regional authorities, and municipalities so that they are on increased civil protection readiness to respond immediately to any fire incidents.
Citizen precautions
The General Secretariat is urging the public to exercise particular caution and to avoid any outdoor activities that could accidentally start a fire. Specifically, it warns against burning dry grass, branches, or cleaning residues; using machinery that produces sparks, such as circular saws or welding equipment; lighting outdoor barbecues; smoking beehives; and discarding lit cigarettes. Agricultural burning is prohibited throughout the fire season.
Anyone who spots a fire is asked to call the Fire Service immediately on 199. Further information and self-protection guidelines for forest fires are available on the Civil Protection website at civilprotection.gov.gr.
Affected areas in detail
The category 4 warning covers a broad swath of the country. In Attica, the entire region including the capital Athens and the island of Kythira is on alert. The Peloponnese units of Corinthia, Argolida, Arcadia, and Laconia are included, as are the Central Greece units of Boeotia, Phthiotis, Phocis, and Euboea (with Skyros). The North Aegean islands of Lesbos, Chios, Samos, and Ikaria, the Cyclades in the South Aegean, and the whole of Crete complete the list. The alert is set for Thursday, July 30, and authorities stress that the situation will be closely monitored throughout the day.
