tourism

Crete battles 31 fires in 24 hours amid drought threat

Wednesday, 17 June 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Between Tuesday 16 June at 18:00 and Wednesday 17 June at 18:00, Cretan firefighters responded to 31 rural and forest fires across the island. Of these, 29 were contained quickly, while two remained active as of Wednesday evening. The high number of incidents in a single 24-hour period reflects the elevated fire risk that comes with dry summer conditions in Crete. Visitors should avoid lighting fires, barbecues, or discarding cigarettes in or near vegetation, as these are common causes of wildfires during the dry season. If you are hiking or driving through rural or forested areas, stay alert for smoke and follow any instructions from local authorities. In an emergency, the Greek fire service can be reached by calling 199.

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