Live satellite hotspots · source: NASA FIRMS
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Crete is the largest Greek island and sees dozens of vegetation fires every summer. Most are not fires in dense forest but in olive groves, phrygana (low, spiny scrub) and dry grassland — fuel that ignites quickly and spreads fast when the meltemi wind picks up. The hills behind the north coast, particularly around Chania and Rethymnon, contain the greatest concentration of villages and resorts close to flammable land, which is why this area sees the most call-outs each season.
This map plots every satellite heat detection across the island, including the quieter south coast and the Lassithi plateau. Turn on location-based alerts for the place you are staying and you will be notified as soon as a hotspot appears within the distance you choose, giving you an early, independent signal alongside official Greek warnings.
Hotspots come from the VIIRS instruments on NASA FIRMS satellites (NOAA-20, NOAA-21 and Suomi NPP) and are cross-checked against Copernicus EFFIS. A hotspot is a heat detection, not a confirmed fire: industrial sites, solar farms and permanent burners are filtered out automatically.
Chania and the west
The hills around Chania, Platanias and the Akrotiri peninsula burn frequently, with olive groves pressed close against villages and strong north-westerly winds common in July and August. The Samaria Gorge closes to hikers when fire danger is rated extreme.
Rethymnon and the Psiloritis range
Dry slopes and mountain villages between Rethymnon and Anogia see fires that run uphill and are hard for fire engines to reach, so suppression often relies heavily on water-bombing aircraft and helicopters.
Heraklion, Lassithi and the south coast
Around Malia, Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra, greenhouses, reeds and dry grass drive frequent smaller fires. The sparsely populated south coast near Plakias and Matala has few through-roads, so evacuation routes can be limited.
Is there a wildfire on Crete right now?
This map shows every hotspot NASA FIRMS detected over Crete in the past 18 hours. No dots means nothing significant was picked up in that window. Tap Live refresh to fetch the latest satellite pass immediately.
Is it safe to holiday on Crete during fire season?
Generally yes. Fires are almost always localised and tourist resorts are rarely directly affected. Keep the Greek emergency number 112 saved: authorities send an SMS with evacuation instructions to every phone in a threatened area during a genuine emergency.
When is fire risk on Crete at its worst?
From mid-June to the end of September, peaking in July and August. The deciding factor is not heat alone but the combination of high temperature, low humidity and a strong meltemi wind, which can turn a small fire into a fast-moving one within minutes.
What should I do if a fire is near my hotel?
Call 112 or 199, follow instructions from hotel staff, and never drive through smoke. Crete's mountain roads offer few alternative routes, so it is better to leave early with water, medication and documents than to wait and see.
Are campfires and barbecues allowed on Crete?
During the fire season, open fires are banned across Crete outside built-up areas, including barbecues, fireworks and burning garden waste. Fines for breaking this rule are substantial and strictly enforced.
How does this map relate to the full Greece map?
This page zooms into Crete for a closer local view, drawing on the same NASA FIRMS satellite data as our main Greece map. Use the region links to switch to Rhodes or the mainland, or return to the whole-country view at any time.
How do I see if a wildfire is close to my campsite or holiday address in Crete?
Use the location finder on this map: type your destination, village or campsite name, or tap "Use my location". The map instantly shows the distance in kilometres to the nearest active hotspot, and you can switch on alerts for fires within 5 to 100 km. Every search gets its own link, so you can share the situation around your own address with family or fellow travellers.