Apokoronas on Red Alert for Wildfire Danger on Friday, September 4, 2026

Summary

The municipality of Apokoronas has been placed on Red Code alert for Friday, September 4, 2026, as fire risk reaches Very High — Level 4 across the area. Residents and visitors must avoid any activity that could spark a fire, including outdoor grilling, burning crop waste, and using sky lanterns or fireworks. Violations carry serious administrative and criminal penalties.

Red Alert in Apokoronas: Extreme Wildfire Risk on September 4, 2026

The Civil Protection authority of Apokoronas has declared the highest possible fire danger level for Friday, September 4, 2026. Acting on guidance from the Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the municipality has moved to Red Code status — fire risk category Very High (Level 4). All emergency personnel and resources are on full standby, and access to vulnerable forested and scrubland areas is strictly restricted for both people and vehicles.

What is banned on Friday?

The following activities are strictly prohibited throughout the day:

Burning crop residues, pastures, meadows, or any agricultural waste
Open fires outdoors for any purpose — including religious ceremonies, cultural events, entertainment, and film productions
Smoking of beehives
Hot work that generates sparks, such as welding or metal cutting with a disc grinder
Outdoor grills and barbecues, and the use of any fuel in open-air settings
Sky lanterns and aerostatic balloons of any kind
Fireworks and any pyrotechnic devices

Penalties for non-compliance

Authorities are taking enforcement seriously during this high-risk period. Anyone who fails to comply with the above prohibitions faces severe administrative fines as well as criminal prosecution.

If you see a fire

If you spot smoke or flames anywhere in the area, call immediately:

Fire Service: 199
European Emergency Number: 112

Provide as precise a location as possible when you call.

Why this matters

Early September is one of the most dangerous periods for wildfires in Crete. A prolonged dry season, combined with heat and wind, means even the smallest spark can escalate within minutes. The Red Code declaration reflects the seriousness of conditions on Friday, and the municipality is asking everyone — residents and visitors alike — to exercise maximum caution and refrain from any outdoor activity involving fire or heat.

For general fire safety guidance, visit the official Greek Civil Protection website: www.civilprotection.gr

Official press release PDF

Official source

CIVIL PROTECTION PRESS RELEASE FOR FRIDAY 04-09-2026, MUNICIPALITY OF APOKORONAS

ATTENTION! Extreme fire danger We are all on full alert and standby! We avoid any action that could cause a fire! CIVIL PROTECTION GREECE Protection guidelines at www.civilprotection.gr

The Civil Protection of the Municipality of Apokoronas announces that on Friday 04-09-2026, in accordance with the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the Municipality of Apokoronas is placed in a state of mobilisation (Red Code) due to Fire Danger Forecast (VERY HIGH – 4).

The mobilisation and readiness of resources and personnel is deemed necessary. The preventive measure of prohibition of transit, stay, and movement of persons and vehicles in sensitive areas enters into force.

WE REMIND you: Strictly prohibited is:

The burning of crop residues, grasslands, grazing lands, etc.

The use of fire outdoors for any event (religious, cultural, entertainment, film productions, etc.).

The smoking of beehives.

The execution of hot works that generate sparks (welding, metal cutting disc, etc.).

The use of outdoor grills, barbecues, any fuel.

The use of airborne flying lanterns or aerostatic balloons (Sky Lanterns).

The use of pyrotechnic items.

Non-compliance entails severe administrative and criminal sanctions.

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

From the Civil Protection of the Municipality of Apokoronas.