This study analyses spatio-temporal patterns of wild res in Greece using a multidimensional statistical framework based on non-parametric correlations, principal component analysis, clustering and stepwise discriminant analysis. Speci cally, we assess the frequency, seasonal pro le, severity and land-use type of 135 178 wild res which occurred between 2000–2012 in Greece, one of the countries most affected by re in Europe. Our results show that both the number of res and the average size of the area covered by re show a speci c seasonal pattern with a marked increase during the dry season. Principal component analysis identi es three dimensions linked with the main type of land-use affected by the res: (i) medium and large res primarily affected landscapes composed of forests, mixed woodlands/shrublands and croplands; (ii) small res mainly affected fragmented landscapes, i.e. those with mosaics of different crops, market gardens and non-vegetated, abandoned or marginal areas; (iii) res affecting wetlands and pastures occurred particularly in late summer and showing medium-low severity. Hierar- chical clustering highlights similarities in spatio-temporal patterns between re indicators (ignition date, burnt land cover classes, re size, re density). K-means clustering allows us to distinguish between low-severity res occurring in the wet season from intense and frequent res occurring in the dry season but with distinct land-use selectivity. The research reported here contributes insight into the complexity of wild res in the Mediterranean region and supports the design of more effective re prevention measures including sustainable forest management practices and careful regional planning to minimise risk factors.