As flames continue to spread in eastern Crete, local authorities have initiated mass evacuations and reinforced firefighting measures in response to the dangerous wildfire affecting the area.
Out of Control Wildfires Lead to Mass Evacuations on Crete
Out of Control Wildfires Lead to Mass Evacuations on Crete
A major wildfire in eastern Crete prompts urgent evacuations and extensive firefighting efforts as the blaze threatens homes and tourist locations.
A significant wildfire has erupted on the Greek island of Crete, rapidly spreading through the rugged terrain of eastern Crete since Wednesday afternoon. The blaze has been exacerbated by strong winds, reaching up to eight on the Beaufort scale, causing it to threaten homes, tourist accommodations, and critical infrastructure, including a fuel station. Emergency services report that the fire front now extends over six kilometers, complicating containment efforts.
Thick smoke envelops the region, severely reducing visibility, even reaching as far as Makry Gialos beach, approximately ten kilometers from the epicenter of the blaze near Achlia in Lasithi. Authorities have closed the main road near Agia Fotia, advising residents and travelers to avoid any unnecessary travel due to hazardous air quality, extreme heat, and the presence of falling ash. Reports indicate that homes and rental properties in Agia Fotia have been destroyed, with power outages affecting the area. At least four elderly individuals have been hospitalized due to respiratory issues stemming from smoke inhalation, prompting health authorities to place all hospitals in Crete on high alert.
In light of the imminent danger, authorities have ordered the mass evacuation of hotels, rental properties, and homes in the Ferma municipality as flames continue to advance. Approximately 1,500 individuals have been evacuated from affected areas and relocated to Ierapetra, with around 200 evacuees currently seeking shelter in the town's sports arena.
The firefighting response has been considerably increased, with 155 firefighters, eight specialized foot teams, and 38 fire engines deployed to combat the blaze. Helicopters have been utilized for aerial water drops until nightfall, with additional firefighting forces en route. A further deployment of 17 firefighters and one foot team is making its way from Piraeus by ferry, while 33 firefighters along with four additional specialized teams are set to arrive by plane from Elefsina.
According to reports from public broadcaster ERT, the fire service is implementing a tactical withdrawal from the immediate fire front to safeguard personnel while prioritizing the establishment of firebreaks around at-risk settlements. Fire crews are expected to remain in the area throughout the night.
Emergency alerts have been issued via the 112 public warning system, prompting evacuations from several localities including Achlia, Ferma, Agia Fotia, and Koutsounari, with instructions for residents and tourists to head towards Ierapetra. Some individuals stranded by road were evacuated from local beaches by boat.
The fire, believed to have originated between Agia Fotia and Skinokapsala, continues to spread through the densely populated, flammable forest, with dry conditions, steep terrain, and powerful winds hampering firefighting efforts. This wildfire follows a series of similar emergencies in nearby Turkey, where over 50,000 people were evacuated due to wildfires in Izmir. Meanwhile, Europe continues to face a heatwave, with reported heat-related fatalities in various countries including Spain and Italy.
