Wildfire prevention in Crete, Greece

• The summer of 2021 was one of the most destructive of recent decades in Greece, with 1,301,239 hectares burned in 8,728 fires, primarily in Evia, Attica, Ilia, Mani, and Rhodes. The largest fire occurred in Evia, burning 511,854 hectares. This period was characterized by extreme heatwaves with record temperatures lasting multiple days (188 hours). The main causes included human negligence, agricultural activities, infrastructure (such as power lines), biomass accumulation due to rural abandonment, and lack of forest clearing. The phenomenon was intensified by high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds.
• In 2023, in Rhodes, the large fire in July became one of the year’s most extensive, burning a total of 102,270 hectares, including about 15,950 hectares of protected areas (Natura and wildlife refuges). Within two days (July 21–23), the fire nearly doubled its burned area, severely damaging the natural environment, infrastructure, and threatening settlements. The fires were uncontrollable, and the fate of many forests remained uncertain. Particular concern arose for the area of Laerma, an essential habitat for the Rhodes deer (Dama dama), a natural symbol of the island.
• In 2023, in Dadia, the August 2023 fire in Dadia forest in Evros became the largest recorded in Europe, destroying approximately 942,500 hectares, of which 58% was part of Dadia National Park. The disaster severely affected the unique colony of black vultures in the Balkans and caused significant wildlife losses, with 189 animals killed, mainly turtles and roe deer. Despite restoration efforts, the full recovery of the ecosystem is expected to take decades, and the need for strengthened forest prevention and management is urgent. 2024 Parnitha,
• On June 29, 2024, a fire broke out in the Katsimidi area of Parnitha, burning forested areas and causing alarm among authorities. Strong winds, with gusts exceeding 100 km/h, complicated firefighting efforts. A total of 106 firefighters with 35 vehicles and 4 ground teams operated on-site, supported by 8 aircraft and 4 helicopters. Unconfirmed reports indicated an explosion at an electricity pole, which the electricity company denied. Authorities issued an emergency alert through 112 and imposed traffic regulations for safety reasons.

  These events are not just news stories. They are reminders that we are all connected to the environment and that protecting it is not someone else’s job.

There are many different reasons why wildfires break out. It is clear that most are mainly caused by human error.

• 35% of fires are due to negligence (poor assessment during clean-up burning, power line short circuits, uncontrolled trash burning sites, omissions or mistakes by excursionists, etc.) Many fires begin in spring or just before summer, when sudden southern winds reignite extinguished hotspots.
• 20% are due to malicious acts.
• 45% recorded as unknown causes are distributed accordingly between negligence and intent. Arson by profiteers or organized groups that set fires in areas that are or could become buildable.
• Other people may have a pathological tendency to cause fires intentionally.
• Discarded cigarettes.