Mass Evacuations Underway as Intense Wildfire Ravages Eastern Crete

A wildfire that ignited in Crete has prompted massive evacuations as it threatens homes and tourist facilities in the region.

A raging wildfire in eastern Crete, Greece, has escalated into a major emergency, resulting in widespread evacuations and significant damage threats. The blaze, which erupted on Wednesday afternoon near Ierapetra, is being exacerbated by strong winds reaching up to eight on the Beaufort scale, causing flames to spread rapidly across at least 6km of rugged terrain.

Thick smoke is engulfing the area, severely limiting visibility and prompting urgent action from local authorities. Smoke from the fire has reached areas like Makry Gialos beach, approximately 10km away, with police closing the main road near Agia Fotia and advising residents and tourists to refrain from non-essential travel due to dangerous conditions.

Reports indicate that homes and rental properties in Agia Fotia have already been destroyed, leading to power outages and hospitalizations for at least four elderly individuals suffering from respiratory issues due to smoke inhalation. In response, health authorities have placed all hospitals on the island on heightened alert.

To combat the fire, authorities are facilitating a mass evacuation of hotels and residences in the Ferma municipality, taking around 1,500 people to Ierapetra where some evacuees are housed in an indoor sports arena. Firefighting efforts are being heavily reinforced, with 155 firefighters, specialized teams, and numerous fire engines actively fighting the blaze on the ground. Helicopters are supporting the efforts with aerial water drops.

As new reinforcements arrive, including additional firefighters and equipment being transported from mainland Greece, officials are prioritizing the establishment of firebreaks to protect at-risk communities. The fire, which appears to have started between Agia Fotia and Skinokapsala, continues to burn through dry and dense forest, making containment an ongoing challenge.

Emergency alerts via the 112 public warning system have been dispatched throughout the day, guiding evacuations from several areas, including Achlia, Ferma, and Galini. Some individuals stranded by blocked roads are being evacuated by boat from local beaches as the situation remains critical.

This wildfire in Greece comes amidst a broader pattern of natural disasters in Europe, with Turkey reporting the evacuation of over 50,000 people due to wildfires in Izmir. The continent is also grappling with extreme heat, leading to several casualties in Spain, Italy, and France.