- The Regional Operational Coordination Body for Civil Protection (PESOPP) in Lasithi held an emergency late-night session after Friday was designated an extreme Category 5 wildfire risk day.
- Authorities ordered the complete closure of the Psychro Cave (Diktaean Cave) to the public on Friday to ensure visitor safety.
- Operational deployment includes the Fire Service, Hellenic Police, Coast Guard, DEDDIE power grid operators, municipal teams, and volunteer units across Eastern Crete.
- Emergency services urge residents and travelers to suspend outdoor fire-risk activities and report smoke immediately via regional dispatch lines.
The most immediate impact hits local tourism infrastructure. Authorities closed the Psychro Cave—also known as Diktaean Cave—shutting down visitor access across the mountain site for the entirety of Friday, August 28.
The precautionary closure was decided during an emergency videoconference late Thursday evening of the Lassithi Regional Civil Protection Operations Coordination Body (PESOPP). The meeting focused on the Category 5 wildfire risk forecast for the Regional Unit of Lassithi on Friday.
Authorities reviewed the elevated fire danger and coordinated the operational response for the day, prioritizing prevention, rapid response, and the protection of lives, property, and the natural environment.
The closure of the Diktaean Cave, one of Crete’s best-known archaeological sites, was added to the preventive measures announced earlier by the Region of Crete.
Authorities are also urging residents and visitors to follow all instructions from the competent services and avoid any activity that could cause a fire.
Lassithi on High Alert
The Regional Unit of Lassithi called for maximum caution and responsibility throughout Friday, while all civil protection agencies remain on heightened operational readiness.
Lassithi Deputy Regional Governor Giannis Androulakis stressed the need for increased attention, responsibility, and cooperation throughout the day, describing prevention as the most effective form of protection against wildfire risk.
LASITHI EMERGENCY CONTACT DIRECTORY
Fire Services (Πυροσβεστικό Σώμα): 199
European Emergency Number: 112
Forestry Policy Inspection: 1591
Hellenic Police (ΕΛ.ΑΣ.): 100
Coast Guard (Λιμενικό Σώμα): 108
Ambulance Service (ΕΚΑΒ): 166
Officials emphasized that anyone who sees smoke or a fire should contact the authorities immediately. Early reporting can be critical in preventing a fire from spreading.
The Region of Crete and the Regional Unit of Lassithi will remain on operational standby throughout Friday in coordination with the relevant authorities.
Representatives from the Region of Crete Civil Protection Service, the Regional Unit of Lassithi, HEDNO, the Coast Guard, Hellenic Police, the municipalities of Lassithi, and volunteer civil protection groups took part in the meeting. Lassithi Fire Service Commander Dimitris Kalliontzis and Crete Regional Fire Service Commander Xenofon Tsilimingakis also participated.
Featured image, Cretan Beaches, archive.
