A major wildfire in Greece continues to burn out of control in eastern Crete, after breaking out on Wednesday afternoon in rugged forested terrain near the municipality of Ierapetra. Fanned by gale-force winds reaching up to eight on the Beaufort scale, the flames have spread rapidly southward, threatening homes, tourist accommodation, and critical infrastructure, including a fuel station. The fire front now extends over at least 6km, according to emergency services, making containment increasingly difficult. Thick smoke engulfed the wider area, reducing visibility to near zero in places.
Tourists have been ordered to evacuate hotels in Ierapetra as the wildfire persists. Smoke has drifted as far as Makry Gialos beach, 10km from Achlia, where firefighters are engaged in battle. Police have closed the main road near Agia Fotia, urging all to avoid non-essential travel due to dangerous air quality, extreme heat, and falling ash. Reports indicate destruction of homes and rental properties in Agia Fotia, alongside a power outage. At least four elderly residents suffered respiratory issues from smoke inhalation, prompting local health authorities to place all hospitals on high alert.
In response, authorities initiated a mass evacuation of hotels, rental properties, and homes in Ferma, with support from fire services, police, and local volunteers. Approximately 1,500 people have been evacuated thus far, with about 200 currently sheltering in an indoor sports arena in Ierapetra. The firefighting response has been bolstered significantly; as of Wednesday night, there are 155 firefighters, eight specialized teams, and 38 fire engines deployed. Four helicopters were engaged until nightfall, with additional reinforcements en route.
Public alerts have been issued via the 112 warning system, advising residents and tourists of the need to evacuate from areas including Achlia, Ferma, and Agia Fotia. Some individuals cut off from roads have reportedly been rescued from beaches by boat. The fire, believed to have ignited between Agia Fotia and Skinokapsala, continues to devastate dense, flammable terrain, with steep inclines and dry conditions complicating firefighting efforts.
Earlier this week in Turkey, over 50,000 individuals were also evacuated due to wildfires in Izmir province, amidst a broader pattern of heat-related incidents across Europe, including reported fatalities in Spain, Italy, and France due to an early summer heatwave.
Tourists have been ordered to evacuate hotels in Ierapetra as the wildfire persists. Smoke has drifted as far as Makry Gialos beach, 10km from Achlia, where firefighters are engaged in battle. Police have closed the main road near Agia Fotia, urging all to avoid non-essential travel due to dangerous air quality, extreme heat, and falling ash. Reports indicate destruction of homes and rental properties in Agia Fotia, alongside a power outage. At least four elderly residents suffered respiratory issues from smoke inhalation, prompting local health authorities to place all hospitals on high alert.
In response, authorities initiated a mass evacuation of hotels, rental properties, and homes in Ferma, with support from fire services, police, and local volunteers. Approximately 1,500 people have been evacuated thus far, with about 200 currently sheltering in an indoor sports arena in Ierapetra. The firefighting response has been bolstered significantly; as of Wednesday night, there are 155 firefighters, eight specialized teams, and 38 fire engines deployed. Four helicopters were engaged until nightfall, with additional reinforcements en route.
Public alerts have been issued via the 112 warning system, advising residents and tourists of the need to evacuate from areas including Achlia, Ferma, and Agia Fotia. Some individuals cut off from roads have reportedly been rescued from beaches by boat. The fire, believed to have ignited between Agia Fotia and Skinokapsala, continues to devastate dense, flammable terrain, with steep inclines and dry conditions complicating firefighting efforts.
Earlier this week in Turkey, over 50,000 individuals were also evacuated due to wildfires in Izmir province, amidst a broader pattern of heat-related incidents across Europe, including reported fatalities in Spain, Italy, and France due to an early summer heatwave.
