What Causes Wildfires in Greece?: Increasingly dry conditions, more development near forested areas, arson, and high winds are all contributing to the drastic increase in wildfires in Greece.
What Areas are Likely to be Affected by Wildfires in Greece?: Given the Greek terrain, both on the mainland and in the Greek islands, almost anywhere can be in the path of a wildfire. The green, heavily forested island of Samos was devastated a few years ago, and many wildfires have burned from coastal mountains down to the beaches of luxury resorts.
What Can We Do to Avoid Being Affected by a Wildfire?: If conditions are dry and windy, you may want to rethink traveling in remote areas. However, the effect on air quality can extend far beyond the actual fire, and persons who are sensitive to air pollution may want to stay far away from the source of the fire, and they may also want to check the prevailing winds to see where the smoke and pollution is likely to flow. If you are staying overnight anywhere near a burning fire, keep your valuables handy and be alert for alarms or knocks on your door. Even if it seems safe, sudden changes in wind direction can change everything very quickly.
What is the Greek Government Doing about Wildfires?: Greece is attempting to provide more firefighting equipment and more firefighters, but in a bad fire season, it can be stretched very thin. At one point in July of 2007, 197 separate wildfires were burning throughout Greece.
What Time of Year is Worst for Wildfires?: When hot, dry conditions combine with high winds, the result may be a wildfire, both from natural causes and from arson. Fires can happen any time, but in recent years, the fire season has unfortunately coincided with the tourist season - June, July, and August. So this is one more reason to try and plan your trip to Greece in the cooler, cheaper months of May and September.
