The Civil Protection Department of the Kavala Regional Unit activated a full ban on public access to forest areas across Kavala and Thassos from Wednesday, 12 August 2026, after the General Secretariat for Civil Protection's fire risk map placed the two regional units in category 4, the second-highest "very high" risk level. The ban, covering both hikers and vehicles in wooded areas, remained in force until Sunday, 16 August, when officials lifted it as weather conditions eased the immediate danger. Authorities said increased readiness measures among fire, forestry and civil protection services would continue regardless of the ban's status.