Very High Forest Fire Risk Warning for Sakız, Sisam, İkaria and Girit Islands in Yunanistan

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection, affiliated with the Yunanistan Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, has forecasted a very high forest fire risk (category 4) for certain regions on Tuesday, 7 Temmuz 2026. The warning in question covers the islands of Sakız (Chios), Sisam (Samos), and İkaria (Ikaria) located in the Kuzey Ege Bölgesi. At the same time, the Resmo (Rethymno), Kandiye (Iraklio), and Lasithi regions of the Girit Bölgesi were also included in this dangerous risk classification. Authorities state that these islands and regions have become highly susceptible to vegetation ignition due to hot and dry weather conditions. In this context, it is of great importance that the local population and visitors living in the region strictly comply with the precautions taken.

In response to the increasing fire risk, the 2nd phase operational readiness plan of the İtfaiye Teşkilatı has been activated. Within this scope, the frequency and coverage of aerial surveillance patrols have been significantly increased. Teams belonging to the İtfaiye, Polis, and Askeri units in the region have commenced intensified sentry and patrol duties to respond instantly to a potential fire in risky areas. Additionally, it was decided that all personnel serving in the İtfaiye units in the designated risky regions will be kept under partial mobilization, and their leaves have been canceled. Thus, the aim is to ensure that sufficient personnel and equipment reach the region in the shortest time possible in the event of a sudden emergency.

The Sivil Korunma Müdürlüğü has warned all regions, municipalities, and relevant government institutions to be on high alert against the fire risk barrier. The forest fire intervention plan is being flawlessly implemented in the at-risk regions. As part of the comprehensive precaution package, vehicle entry and entry for picnic purposes into national parks, forested areas, and fire-sensitive zones have been strictly prohibited. Authorities emphasize that these bans stem from the fact that not only dry grasses and vegetation, but also the wind, pose a major danger in the spread of a fire. Accordingly, inspections at all entry points have been tightened to ensure the security of the area.

Government officials and fire brigades are urging all citizens to be highly vigilant and to refrain from any behavior that could cause a fire in the countryside. In particular, burning dry grass and branches, lighting fires during field clearing, and the use of spark-emitting chainsaws or welding machines have been strictly prohibited. In addition, people are asked to avoid seemingly simple yet highly dangerous actions such as lighting grills outdoors, smoking beehives, and throwing unextinguished cigarette butts. It was reminded that starting field fires during the fire season is also included in the prohibitions, and that deterrent penalties will be applied. Citizens are encouraged to regularly follow the most up-to-date information and alerts via the official website and social media accounts of the İtfaiye Teşkilatı.

Ultimately, it is of vital importance for the safety of life and property that the public strictly adheres to all warnings and directives of the authorities. Citizens who notice smoke or fire anywhere are asked to report the situation to the İtfaiye without delay, and it is stated that the Yunanistan İtfaiye Acil Durum hotline, 199, should be called immediately. It is possible to access comprehensive personal protection guidelines and instructions against forest fires via the website of the Sivil Korunma Genel Sekreterliği. It must not be forgotten that the slightest negligence during such critical times can lead to major disasters. Therefore, it is emphasized that individual awareness and social cooperation will be decisive in preventing or stopping a potential disaster before it escalates.