Apokoronas on Red Alert Friday: No barbecues, no fires, no exceptions

Summary

The municipality of Apokoronas has been placed on Red Code (fire danger level 4 – Very High) for Friday, August 28, 2026, by Greece's General Secretariat for Civil Protection. All outdoor burning is strictly forbidden — including barbecues, crop burning, welding work that produces sparks, fireworks, and sky lanterns — and access to sensitive natural areas is restricted. Anyone who spots a fire should call 199 or 112 immediately, as non-compliance with the ban carries serious administrative and criminal consequences.

Red Alert in Apokoronas: Extreme Fire Danger on August 28

Residents and visitors in Apokoronas face a day of strict fire restrictions on Friday, August 28, 2026. Greece's General Secretariat for Civil Protection has placed the municipality on Red Code — fire danger level 4, rated "Very High" — meaning all civil protection resources are on full standby and a wide range of outdoor activities are prohibited.

What is banned?

For the entirety of Friday, the following are strictly forbidden across Apokoronas, particularly in areas close to natural land:

Burning crop residues, grassland, or pasture areas
Lighting any kind of fire outdoors — whether for a religious ceremony, cultural event, entertainment, or a film production
Smoking bees in hives using open flame
Carrying out hot work that generates sparks, such as welding or metal cutting with an angle grinder
Using any outdoor grill, barbecue, or open fuel-burning device
Releasing sky lanterns or balloons
Setting off fireworks or any pyrotechnic device

In addition, movement and access by both people and vehicles is preventively restricted in areas considered ecologically sensitive and at high risk.

Why this matters more than usual

The Civil Protection office adds an important note: the rest of Crete — every region except Chania — will be at the even higher Alert Level 5 on the same day. This puts into perspective just how dangerous fire conditions across the island are expected to be. Authorities urge everyone in Apokoronas to remain on heightened alert, even if the official level here is one step below the island maximum.

If you see a fire

Act immediately. Call the Fire Service on 199 or the European emergency number 112, and give as precise a location as possible. Every minute counts.

Penalties for non-compliance

The municipality stresses that breaching these prohibitions leads to serious administrative fines and criminal prosecution. This is not a suggestion — it is a legally enforceable order for the day.

Practical advice for the day

If you had a barbecue planned for Friday evening, move it indoors or reschedule. If you are working on land or in the countryside, avoid any activity that could generate heat or sparks. The restrictions apply to everyone in the municipality — locals and tourists alike.

Official press release (PDF)

Official source

CIVIL PROTECTION PRESS RELEASE — MUNICIPALITY OF APOKORONAS

The Civil Protection Service of the Municipality of Apokoronas announces that on Friday 28-08-2026, in accordance with the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the Municipality of Apokoronas is placed in a state of mobilisation (Red Code) due to the Fire Danger Forecast (VERY HIGH – 4).

The mobilisation and readiness of means and personnel is deemed necessary. The measure of preventive prohibition of passage, stay and movement of persons and vehicles in sensitive areas enters into force. WE REMIND YOU: It is strictly prohibited to:

Burn crop residues, grassland areas, pastures, etc.

Use fire in the open air for any event (religious, cultural, recreational, film productions, etc.).

Smoke beehives.

Carry out hot works that generate sparks (welding, metal cutting disc, etc.).

Use outdoor grills, barbecues, or any fuel.

Use airborne flying lanterns or balloons (Sky Lanterns).

Use pyrotechnic products.

Non-compliance results in strict administrative and criminal sanctions.

AS SOON AS WE NOTICE A FIRE, we immediately call the Fire Service on 199 or 112 and provide precise information about the fire.