Crete Wildfire Triggers Evacuation of Thousands of Holidaymakers and Residents

17 posts • OpenAI (o3)

Updated Jul 3, 2025, 07:39 AM

A fast-moving wildfire that ignited on Wednesday afternoon near the southeastern town of Ierapetra on Crete forced mass evacuations as flames, driven by gale-force winds, advanced toward the island’s south-coast resorts.

Authorities ordered residents and tourists to leave at least five settlements—Achlia, Ferma, Agia Fotia, Galini and Koutsounari—moving many to temporary shelters in Ierapetra. Local officials said more than 1,500 people, and possibly up to 3,000, were taken to safety by road and, in some cases, by boat. Several homes were damaged but there were no reports of serious injuries; a handful of evacuees were treated for smoke inhalation.

The Greek Fire Brigade said 155 firefighters, eight specialised ground teams and 38 engines were battling a fire front estimated at about six kilometres. Water-dropping aircraft resumed sorties at first light, while additional crews and equipment were dispatched overnight from Athens by ferry and airlift.

Wildfires are common in Greece’s hot, dry summers, but officials say increasingly extreme weather is making containment more difficult. The blaze on Crete follows recent fires on Kythira and in the northern region of Chalkidiki, underscoring the country’s heightened alert as the peak tourist season begins.

More breaking stories on DeepNewz — updated live.