Live satellite hotspots · source: NASA FIRMS
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Rhodes was the scene of one of the largest tourist evacuations in Greek history in 2023, when thousands of holidaymakers left hotels around Kiotari and Lardos as fire swept through the island's interior. Since then, visitors have paid closer attention to smoke over the hills — reasonably so, given that the dense pine forest covering the centre of the island is exceptionally flammable and difficult for ground crews to access.
This map plots every satellite heat detection over Rhodes and the surrounding waters. Combine it with your own location and turn on alerts, and you will see immediately if a hotspot is developing in the direction of your resort, giving you extra time alongside official warnings from Greek civil protection.
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.
The interior and Laerma
Continuous Aleppo pine forest around Laerma, Apollona and the Profitis Ilias massif is where the island's largest fires typically start, before prevailing winds push them towards the east coast.
East coast: Lindos, Kiotari and Lardos
Hotels and villages here back directly onto the forest edge. When onshore winds push a fire towards the coast, these are usually the first areas evacuated, often by bus to Rhodes Town or by sea.
West coast and Rhodes Town
Dry scrubland between the airport, Kremasti and Theologos tends to produce smaller fires, but these can quickly cause smoke disruption along the main approach route to the airport.
Is there a wildfire on Rhodes right now?
This map shows the hotspots NASA FIRMS recorded over Rhodes in the past 18 hours. Press Live refresh to bring in the most recent satellite pass straight away.
Could a fire like the one in 2023 happen again?
A large fire in the interior remains possible in any hot, dry summer, but Greek authorities now evacuate earlier and more widely, and the 112 alert system sends targeted SMS warnings by area. Always follow these messages, even if you cannot yet see fire from your hotel.
What should I do if a fire threatens my hotel or campsite?
Call 112 or 199 immediately, follow staff instructions without delay, and never try to drive towards or through smoke. Take your passport, phone, medication and water, and leave luggage behind if you are told to evacuate on foot or by bus.
Are barbecues and open fires allowed on Rhodes?
During the fire season, open fires, barbecues outside designated areas and burning of any waste are banned across the island. Enforcement is strict, particularly near the forested interior.
What is the emergency number in Greece?
Dial 112 for any emergency, or 199 specifically for the fire service. Both can be reached from any phone, and 112 operators are typically able to assist in English as well as Greek.
How does this map relate to the full Greece map?
This page focuses on Rhodes using the same live NASA FIRMS data shown on our main Greece map. Use the region links to check Crete or the whole country, or zoom back out whenever you need the wider picture.
How do I see if a wildfire is close to my campsite or holiday address in Rhodes?
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.