Extreme wildfire risk declared for Greek islands due to high-velocity winds

Greek authorities have issued a category 5 'extreme' fire risk alert for Crete, Rhodes, Kastellorizo, and Karpathos for August 29, 2026. The alert is driven by forecasted wind gusts reaching 8-9 Beaufort, which significantly elevate the potential for rapid fire spread. The situation is developing as meteorological conditions remain volatile.