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Crete on high alert for very high fire risk; Samaria Gorge to close
🇬🇷 Greece /Environment & Climate

Crete on high alert for very high fire risk; Samaria Gorge to close

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Crete is on high alert for a very high fire risk on Thursday, July 16, with the entire island in Category 4.
  • Due to the risk, access is restricted in certain areas of Chania, and the Samaria Gorge will be closed.
  • Authorities urge extreme caution and remind citizens to avoid activities that could spark fires, such as burning dry grass or using spark-producing tools.

Crete faces a severe fire risk on Thursday, July 16, as the entire island is placed in Category 4, signifying a very high danger.

Authorities have implemented preventative measures, including restricting access to specific areas in Chania, such as the forest of Agios Mattheos and the park at Anemomiloi. The popular Samaria Gorge will also be closed to visitors due to strong winds expected to reach up to 9 Beaufort.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection is appealing to the public for heightened vigilance. Citizens are urged to refrain from any outdoor activities that could ignite fires, including burning dry vegetation, using tools that create sparks, operating outdoor grills, or discarding lit cigarettes. The ban on burning fields remains in effect throughout the fire season.

In the event of a fire, residents and visitors are instructed to immediately contact the Fire Service by dialing 199 or the European emergency number 112.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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