FireWatch Europe
When is wildfire season in Greece?
Risk is highest from June through October, peaking in July and August. The meltemi, a strong seasonal wind, can spread fires rapidly across both the mainland and the islands once they start.
What causes wildfires in Greece?
Extreme summer heat and drought combined with strong winds create conditions where any ignition can spread fast. Common causes include agricultural burning, discarded cigarettes, and campfires. A smaller share of fires each year are deliberately started, an issue Greek authorities and fire services have flagged in past seasons.
How to stay safe
- Monitor alerts from the Hellenic Fire Service (Πυροσβεστική) and 112.
- Avoid any open flames or outdoor burning during high-risk days — this is officially restricted in many areas from May through October.
- If you're near the coast or on an island, know alternative routes inland or toward the sea in case evacuation becomes necessary.
- Never ignore an evacuation order from local authorities, even if a fire seems far away.
- Never attempt to fight a wildfire yourself.
Official resources
- 112 — emergency number (works throughout Greece and the EU).
- Hellenic Fire Service — official fire service information.
Live wildfire map for Greece
The map below shows the same live, satellite-detected hotspot data as the main FireWatch Europe map, centered on Greece.
Sources
- EFFIS Annual Fire Reports (European Commission Joint Research Centre / Copernicus)
- Taming Wildfires in the Context of Climate Change: The Case of Greece (OECD, 2024)