Major fire in Katy Krya near Sitia and very high fire risk in Heraklion and Lassithi for tomorrow, Sunday 15 June.
A large fire broke out at Kato Krya near Sitia, Crete, after a vehicle caught fire and flames leapt into nearby olive groves and low brush. The blaze quickly threatened several small settlements, like the village of Koutsoulo Petra and the area around Roussa Church.
The southern winds didn’t help—if anything, they just fanned the flames, pushing the fire closer to homes and farmland.
Firefighters, along with volunteers, scrambled to contain the fire. They brought in a good number of engines, water tankers, and even called in helicopters for backup from above.
More than 50 firefighters and several foot teams were out there, battling flare-ups and rough terrain. Their main goal was to keep the fire away from irrigation systems and key infrastructure, all while trying to protect homes.
Strong northern winds made things worse, making it a real challenge for the crews.
The emergency response pulled together 55 firefighters, three foot patrol teams from the 3rd EMODE unit, and a dozen vehicles. Two helicopters circled overhead, dropping water as best they could.
Local government water tankers pitched in too, doing what they could to slow the fire’s advance.
The Civil Protection authority sent out Alert messages to local residents, urging them to stay ready given the ongoing fire threat. Right now, Crete is under a yellow risk warning for wildfires, which is never a good sign.
Response Summary |
Details |
|---|---|
Location |
Kato Krya, Lasithi, Sitia |
Firefighters |
55 |
Foot Patrol Teams |
3 (3rd EMODE) |
Vehicles |
12 |
Helicopters |
2 |
Local Water Tankers |
Active |
Weather Conditions |
Strong northern winds |
Civil Protection Alerts |
Sent to residents |
Risk Level |
Yellow warning on Crete island |
The fire mostly hit low vegetation, but it also threatened agricultural land—never great for local farmers. With the weather still acting up, authorities are keeping a close eye out for more flare-ups.
Very High Fire Risk in Heraklion and Lasithi on Sunday
On Sunday, 15 June 2025, Heraklion and Lasithi are looking at a very high fire risk, category 4 on the danger scale. The Fire Risk Prediction Map from the General Secretariat for Civil Protection flagged it, so it’s not just local chatter.
Areas Affected by Very High Fire Risk
Region |
Fire Risk Level |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
Heraklion (Heraklion PE) |
Very High (4) |
Full readiness advised |
Lasithi (Lasithi PE) |
Very High (4) |
Increased vigilance required |
Northern Aegean (Samos, Ikaria) |
Very High (4) |
Included in risk forecast |
South Aegean (Dodecanese) |
Very High (4) |
Also included in forecast |
Precautions and Recommendations
- Avoid outdoor fires: Burning dry grass, branches, or debris is forbidden.
- No use of spark-producing equipment: Equipment like disc saws or welding devices shouldn’t be used outdoors.
- No open grills or barbecues: Using open-fire cooking devices outside is banned.
- No smoking in the countryside: Please, don’t toss cigarettes—just don’t.
- Immediate reporting: If you spot a fire, call the Fire Brigade at 199 right away.
Authorities’ Preparedness
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has put all relevant state services, regional authorities, and municipalities on alert. Basically, everyone’s on their toes and ready to jump in if something sparks up.
Important Contacts and Resources
- Fire Brigade Emergency Number: 199
- Official Information and Safety Guidelines:
General Secretariat for Civil Protection
Summary of Key Measures for Residents
- Do not light fires or burn waste outdoors.
- Avoid use of machinery that can spark a fire.
- Stay informed via official channels.
- Report fires immediately to emergency services.
It’s a tense time for wildfires, so a little extra caution really matters. Keep these points in mind, and maybe let your neighbors know too.
