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Wildfires in Greece – current situation

Greece has one of the most fire-prone landscapes in the Mediterranean, with pine forests, dry scrubland and the strong meltemi winds combining to produce fast-moving fires most summers. The mainland region of Attica around Athens, the Peloponnese, and islands including Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Zakynthos and Evia have all seen major fires in recent years, typically between June and September. Wind direction can shift a fire's path within hours, which is why Greek authorities issue daily fire-risk forecasts and sometimes close national parks and forest trails on the highest-risk days.

This map displays every satellite-detected hotspot across Greece, updated continually so travellers can quickly check whether a fire has been detected near a specific island or resort. Search for a place name such as Chania, Rhodes Town or Zakynthos, or share your location to centre the map instantly, and use the live refresh option before a journey for the freshest possible reading. Each hotspot includes the detection time, giving a realistic sense of how recent and how relevant the activity actually is.

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.

High-risk areas in Greece

Attica and Athens

The pine-covered hills around Athens, including Penteli, Parnitha and the areas near Marathon and Rafina, are highly flammable in summer and sit close to dense suburbs. Strong northerly winds can push fires towards residential areas quickly, so this region features regularly in Greece's fire warnings.

Crete and Rhodes

Greece's largest islands see a long fire season from June to September, with Crete's interior around Chania and Rethymno and Rhodes's forested hills near Lindos and Apollona especially exposed. Rhodes experienced serious evacuations in 2023, underlining the importance of checking live conditions before hiking inland.

Evia and the Ionian islands

Evia's northern pine forests are among the most fire-affected in the country, while Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea see smaller but frequent fires in dry scrub and olive groves. Coastal resorts are rarely directly threatened, but nearby countryside can close temporarily.

Frequently asked questions about Greece

Are there wildfires in Greece right now?

This map shows every active hotspot detected across Greece within the last 18 hours, covering the mainland, Attica, and islands such as Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and Evia. If your destination shows no marker, no confirmed detection has occurred there recently. Press Live refresh for the newest satellite pass.

When is Greece's wildfire season worst?

The highest risk runs from June to September, peaking during July and August heatwaves combined with strong meltemi winds. Some years see significant fires as early as May or as late as October, so it is worth checking this map throughout the whole warm season, not only midsummer.

What should I do if a fire is near my hotel or campsite in Greece?

Call 112 or the fire service on 199 straight away, follow evacuation instructions from local police and accommodation staff without hesitation, and head towards the sea or a wide main road rather than uphill terrain. Keep essential documents and phone chargers within easy reach during high-risk periods.

Are campfires and barbecues allowed in Greece in summer?

Greece typically bans open fires, barbecues and agricultural burning in and near forests from May to October, with regional authorities able to extend or tighten restrictions on extreme-risk days. Signs at campsites and beaches usually confirm local rules, and breaches can carry heavy fines.

What is the emergency number in Greece?

Dial 112 for the general European emergency number, or 199 to reach the Greek fire service directly. Both work from mobile phones across the mainland and islands, and operators in tourist regions can often assist in English alongside Greek.

How current is this wildfire map for Greece?

Hotspots come from VIIRS satellite passes covering Greece multiple times daily, cross-checked against the European Copernicus EFFIS system to reduce false positives. Detections older than 18 hours are marked as no longer active. Use the Live refresh button to force an up-to-date satellite check.

How do I see if a wildfire is close to my campsite or holiday address in Greece?

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.

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