Red alert in Apokoronas: Everything you need to know about today's fire emergency
Apokoronas is on its highest state of alert this Monday, August 10, 2026. The municipality's Civil Protection service has activated the Red Code — the most serious level of fire emergency — following an official forecast of very high wildfire risk, rated Level 4 out of 4. All available personnel and equipment have been put on standby.
What is banned today?
A strict list of prohibitions is in force across the entire municipality. Violations carry serious administrative penalties and can lead to criminal prosecution. The following are explicitly forbidden:
- Burning crop residues, grassland, or grazing land
- Using open fire outdoors for any purpose — including religious, cultural, entertainment events, or film productions
- Smoking out beehives
- Any hot work that generates sparks, such as welding or cutting metal with a grinder
- Using outdoor grills or barbecues of any kind, regardless of fuel type
- Releasing sky lanterns or hot-air balloons
- Using fireworks or any pyrotechnic products
Access to natural areas is restricted
Sensitive natural areas — including woodland and scrubland — are closed to both people and vehicles. This means no hiking, no off-road driving, and no stopping in forested zones today. The restriction applies to all of the municipality's high-risk natural areas.
What to do if you see a fire
If you spot a fire — or even suspect one — act immediately. Call the fire service on 199 or the European emergency number 112. Give as precise a location as possible so crews can respond quickly.
Red Code days are not a formality. In August, Crete's dry vegetation can allow a small spark to become an uncontrollable blaze within minutes. Residents and visitors alike are urged to take these restrictions seriously today.