Firefighting Helicopters Arrive in Crete Ahead of Peak Fire Season

Tuesday, 2 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Two firefighting helicopters are scheduled to arrive in Crete on June 3 and June 10, 2026, reinforcing the island's aerial fire suppression capacity ahead of the summer season. The Cretan fire season typically runs from June through September, when dry conditions and strong winds increase wildfire risk across the island. The addition of these helicopters strengthens emergency response capabilities in mountainous and hard-to-reach areas where ground crews face limitations. Tourists hiking or visiting rural and forested areas should stay on marked trails, avoid lighting fires or barbecues in open spaces, and follow any local fire bans posted by authorities. In case of a wildfire nearby, follow instructions from Greek emergency services (call 199 for the fire service). This deployment signals that Cretan authorities are preparing early for a safe summer season.