By Delaney Jensen, U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay

Firefighters from Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay Fire & Emergency Service and the Chania Fire Department quickly contained and extinguished a brush fire near the installation’s perimeter boundary in Mouzouras, Crete, Greece, Sept. 1, 2026.

This show of mutual aid between the U.S. Navy base and Greek host nation prevented what could have been considerable damage to base facilities and neighboring property.

The fire was first noticed at 11:55 a.m. burning off the installation about 60 yards north of Mouzouras Road. At the request of local authorities, NSA Souda Bay Fire & Emergency Services took immediate action while awaiting the arrival of the Chania Fire Department, which responded with three engines.

“This response reflects the strength of our partnership with the Chania Fire Department and our shared commitment to protecting the community we serve together,” said NSA Souda Bay Fire & Emergency Services Deputy Fire Chief Derek Sardinta. “Working side-by-side with our Greek counterparts allows us to respond quickly, safeguard lives and property, and support our host nation when it matters most.”

NSA Souda Bay’s fire department arrived on scene and brought the fire under control by 12:15 p.m. Chania Fire Department crews then fully overhauled the area and extinguished remaining hot spots. The fire burned an estimated half-acre. Olive trees in the area remained intact, and no damage to property or injuries to personnel were reported.

The event and following response coincided with the start of National Preparedness Month, underscoring the importance of readiness, coordination, and strong partnerships in protecting lives and property.

“This is exactly why preparedness is so important,” said Capt. Patrick O’Neill, commanding officer of NSA Souda Bay. “Our readiness depends on training, coordination and strong partnerships, and today’s response demonstrated each of those, along with the resilience of our team and our host nation counterparts. It is an honor to work alongside such capable members of the Chania Fire Department as we protect the installation and the surrounding community.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by local authorities.

NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. For more information, visit us at www.cnic.navy.mil/SoudaBay or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NSASoudaBay.