Greece Bolsters Fire Prevention and Cracks Down on Arson

Monday, 4 May 2026/Source: Naftemporiki/1 min read

Greece's Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Evangelos Tournas, has issued a statement ahead of the 2026 fire season emphasizing prevention, strengthened Civil Protection readiness, and strict enforcement against arson. While the announcement was made from Lamia, the measures apply nationwide, including Crete. For visitors to Crete during the summer months, this signals heightened fire risk awareness across the island. Authorities are reinforcing firefighting resources and coordinating local response mechanisms before the peak danger period, typically running from June through September. Tourists should avoid lighting fires in open areas, including disposable barbecues, especially in dry or wooded zones. Cigarettes must be fully extinguished before disposal. In case of a fire sighting, call 112 immediately. Always check local alerts before hiking in rural or forested areas, as access may be restricted during high-risk conditions.