Greece battles 45 wildland fires in 24 hours, declares Red Code for Chios, Samos, Crete and more on 15 July
The Greek fire service fought 45 agroforestry fires across the country on 14 July 2026, including a large blaze in Aliveri, Evia, and a quickly contained fire in Perea, Thessaloniki. The government has issued a very high risk warning for 15 July.
45 fires in a single day
Greece recorded 45 agroforestry fires nationwide between the morning and evening of 14 July 2026, the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection reported. Many ignited almost simultaneously, forcing the Fire Service to scramble ground teams and aerial resources. No fatalities or large-scale structural losses have been confirmed, but the sheer volume of incidents kept emergency crews working at full stretch.
- 45 agroforestry fires break out across Greece within 24 hours, mobilizing ground and aerial forces.
- Major fire at Aliveri, Evia: 80 firefighters, 12 aerial means, two 112 alerts; later contained.
- Fire starts in Perea, Thessaloniki; controlled in 50 minutes.
- Visitors evacuated from Knossos archaeological site in Crete as a precaution.
- Fires in Oinofyta, Messinia, Rodopi extinguished quickly.
- Very high fire risk (category 4) for Chios, Samos, Ikaria, Kalymnos, Kos, and Crete; Red Code issued.
Key fire fronts
The largest single deployment was at a semi-rural area in Aliveri, Evia, where 80 firefighters, foot teams, 12 aerial vehicles and a surveillance drone operated. Two emergency alerts were sent via the 112 system. The ministry said the fire is now contained and has no active front.
In Perea, Thessaloniki, a fire that broke out at 18:00 on Tuesday was brought under control within 50 minutes, according to the Fire Service. In Vasilika Thessaloniki, Ypato Viotia and Psakoudia Chalkidiki, ground forces also contained flames. At the Knossos archaeological site in Crete, visitors were evacuated as a precaution because of a nearby fire, though no damage to the monument was reported. Fires in Oinofyta Viotia, Messinia and Rodopi were quickly extinguished, limiting any risk of extension.
Red Code for 15 July
For Wednesday 15 July, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection has placed six island regional units and all of Crete under very high fire risk (category 4), triggering a Red Code. The areas are Chios, Samos, Ikaria, Kalymnos, Kos, and the Region of Crete. The state apparatus is on heightened alert; regional and municipal authorities have been notified and are expected to be fully ready for any new outbreak.
The experience of recent days proves that even a small hotspot can, in a very short time, develop into a particularly dangerous fire when adverse weather conditions prevail. Prevention remains the answer.
Warnings to the public
The ministry urged citizens to be extremely cautious and to avoid any outdoor activity that could spark a fire through negligence. It highlighted the use of machinery that produces sparks, outdoor barbecues, bee-smoking, and the disposal of lit cigarettes. Agricultural burning of fields and crop remnants is forbidden throughout the fire season. Authorities reminded the public that the 112 emergency number is available for immediate reporting.
