Starting May 1, 2026, Greece has officially entered its annual fire prevention season. Property owners across Crete are now legally required to clear dry vegetation, brush, and debris from their land to reduce wildfire risk. This regulation, enforced by the Ministry of Climate Crisis, applies to all uncleaned plots throughout the country.
For visitors, this means heightened fire safety awareness is in effect across the island. Hiking in dry, vegetated areas carries increased risk as temperatures rise through summer. Tourists should avoid lighting fires or barbecues outside designated areas, never discard cigarettes in nature, and follow any local authority warnings. If you spot a fire, call 199 (Greek fire service) immediately. The fire prevention period runs through the summer months, covering the driest and highest-risk part of the Cretan season.
