A devastating wildfire has broken out on the Greek island of Crete, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people, including tourists and residents, due to rapidly spreading flames fueled by gale-force winds and high temperatures.
The blaze, which started on Wednesday afternoon near the village of Achlia, has split into three active fronts in Achlia, Ferma, and Skinokapsala, making containment efforts extremely challenging.
According to Manolis Tzarakis, president of the Ierapetra and Southeast Crete Hoteliers’ Association, around 5,000 people have been evacuated, with the majority being foreign tourists staying in local hotels.
At least 200 evacuees are being sheltered in a sports hall in Ierapetra. “The tourists who were moved out are all okay. They have been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other regions of the island,” said Nektarios Papadakis, a civil protection official at the regional authority.
The Greek fire service has deployed a total of 230 firefighters, supported by 13 specialized foot teams, 46 engines, and a drone surveillance unit, to battle the blaze. Ten helicopters have also been made available for aerial firefighting, with one coordinating airborne operations. Fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis noted that “there are wind gusts in the area, some measuring 9 on the Beaufort scale, which are triggering rekindling and hindering firefighting efforts.”
The fire has caused widespread damage to homes, greenhouses, villas, hotels, and businesses in both coastal and inland areas. In the settlement of Agia Fotia, homes and rental properties have been destroyed, and the area is experiencing a power outage.
At least four elderly people have been taken to hospital with respiratory problems caused by smoke inhalation. “The damage is extensive, with homes, greenhouses, villas, hotels, and businesses reportedly destroyed in both coastal and inland areas,” authorities said.
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities have urged residents and visitors to avoid all non-essential travel due to hazardous air quality, extreme heat, and falling ash. All hospitals in Crete have been placed on alert by health authorities.
Emergency alerts via the 112 public warning system were issued throughout Wednesday, calling for evacuations from Achlia, Ferma, Agia Fotia, Galini, and later Koutsounari, instructing residents and tourists to move towards Ierapetra.
The wildfire on Crete is a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in Greece and other Mediterranean countries, attributed to climate change and prolonged hot, dry summers.
As firefighter Vathrakogiannis noted, “July tended to be the most difficult month of the fire season due to high temperatures and strong winds.” The region’s vulnerability to devastating wildfires has been highlighted, with thousands fleeing wildfires in Turkey and at least eight people dying as a result of a heatwave in Europe.