A severe wildfire in eastern Crete has led to the evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists, wreaking havoc on homes and businesses. Strong winds are complicating firefighting efforts as the blaze, which ignited on Wednesday afternoon close to the village of Achlia, spreads rapidly across forested and mountainous regions.
Greece’s fire service reports the fire has formed three active fronts in Achlia, Ferma, and Skinokapsala. Fire crews are struggling to contain the flames as the conditions create new flare-ups.
In response to the emergency, authorities have ordered the mass evacuation of hotels, rental accommodations, and residences in the Ferma area. This operation involves the coordinated efforts of fire services, police, and local volunteers. According to Manolis Tzarakis, president of the Ierapetra and Southeast Crete Hoteliers’ Association, approximately 5,000 individuals have been evacuated, primarily foreign tourists staying in local hotels. Currently, around 200 evacuees are being accommodated in a sports hall in Ierapetra.
As of Thursday morning, 230 firefighters, aided by 13 specialized foot teams, 46 firefighting engines, and a drone surveillance unit, have been deployed to combat the blaze. Aerial support includes 10 helicopters, with one coordinating the airborne firefighting operations.
Officials have reported extensive damage, including the destruction of homes, greenhouses, villas, hotels, and businesses in both coastal and inland areas. In Agia Fotia, local reports indicate that residential and rental properties have been lost, alongside power outages in the region. Additionally, at least four elderly individuals have been hospitalized due to smoke-related respiratory issues.
Authorities have closed the main road near Agia Fotia, advising residents and visitors to avoid non-essential travel due to poor air quality, extreme heat, and ash fallout. All hospitals in Crete are on high alert as a precaution.
Emergency alerts were disseminated via the 112 public warning system throughout Wednesday, instructing evacuations in areas including Achlia, Ferma, Agia Fotia, Galini, and later Koutsounari, directing those affected toward Ierapetra. Some individuals who found themselves cut off from road access have reportedly been evacuated by boat from local beaches.
Earlier this week, wildfires in Turkey prompted the evacuation of over 50,000 individuals in the Izmir province. Additionally, Europe has seen at least six heat-related deaths as an early summer heatwave grips the continent, with fatalities reported in Spain, Italy, and France.
