A fierce wildfire has prompted the evacuation of nearly 1,500 people, primarily tourists, from Crete as firefighters contend with high winds and extreme heat.
Tourists Flee Wildfire Threat on Crete as Authorities Mobilize
Tourists Flee Wildfire Threat on Crete as Authorities Mobilize
1,500 Evacuated from the Greek Island as Firefighters Struggle with Conditions
In a dramatic response to escalating wildfire threats, approximately 1,500 individuals were evacuated from Crete on Thursday, with most being tourists, as fire crews grappled with challenging conditions to contain the flames. The Greek island is enduring a heat wave, which has intensified the risky fire situation across southern Europe.
Over 200 firefighters are currently engaged in battling the blaze from multiple fronts; however, their efforts are hindered by strong winds and the island’s rugged mountain terrain, according to Vassilis Vathrakoyiannis, a spokesperson for Greece's fire service. As the outbreak transformed into a significant threat overnight, local authorities and coast guard personnel sprang into action, facilitating the evacuation.
Manolis Frangoulis, mayor of Ierapetra, reported that about 1,200 of those evacuated were tourists. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties or injuries. Frangoulis described the scene as “hell on earth,” with flames erupting in multiple locations as winds carried embers across the landscape.
As fire crews continue their battle, the local community awaits updates on the situation while monitoring ongoing fire conditions and weather forecasts.
