The Civil Protection Department of the Regional Unit of Chania has announced the closure of 18 Natura areas, forest habitats and parks for days on which the fire warning map of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection predicts a danger level of 4 (very high) and 5 (alert status). Access, circulation and staying in such areas will be forbidden for people and vehicles throughout the 24-hour period. Similar measures have been announced for the Regional Units of Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lasithi.

According to an announcement by the Deputy Regional Governor for Chania Nikos Kalogeris, the provision will be in force for the whole of the anti-fire season, i.e. until 31st October 2023. The areas affected and the associated risk levels are shown in the table. Maps showing the areas in question can be found in the original announcement of the ban on the website of the Cretan Regional Authority.

Exemptions from the prohibition apply to the vehicles, machines and personnel of the Municipal Services which are supervising and ensuring its observance in the area in question, members of voluntary organisations who are demonstrably carrying out fire patrols, and residents engaged in stockraising, agricultural and beekeeping activities, or who live in the said areas.

The provision in question may be changed or permanently applied if special circumstances require a different approach. In this case the Deputy Regional Governor will issue a statement specifying a particular area and time frame.
(Haniotika Nea 15-06-23)

The following links may be found useful:

– Daily map showing fire risk levels in the country.
– Civil Protection ministry’s advice on how avoid forest fires (in English).
– Document announcing the ban in the Regional Unit of Chania, with maps showing the areas where the ban will operate.