Crete Wildfires Force Evacuation of Thousands Amid Fierce Wind
A massive wildfire broke out in the Rethymno region of Greece’s island of Crete on Wednesday, and strong gusts of up to 77mph, the equivalent of a “violent” Beaufort‑4 wind, helped it spread over several villages and tourist resorts.
The authorities evacuated roughly 8,000 residents overnight, putting them into temporary shelters while crews tried to contain the risk of the flames reaching newly built holiday towns.
Tragically, two firefighters lost their lives while working a blaze near the town of Krya Vrysi. A third firefighter also died on the Greek mainland in the town of Gytheio. The Hellenic Fire Service chief Theodoros Vagias paid his condolences.
Despite the fury, the blaze has not yet reached the level of the most severe wildfires seen in Spain, Portugal or France this summer. National emergencies in those countries have largely been declared over, though large areas still carry embers.
The season’s conditions—mild, wet winters followed by consecutive heatwaves—have left vegetation exceptionally dry, acting as tinder for the fire. Climate‑change driven weather patterns are also speeding up fuel build‑up across the Mediterranean.
Rethymno’s deputy governor Maria Lioni called the day “dark” for the region and emphasised that containment remains the highest priority.
For those affected, the emergency has called for immediate contact to official channels. Send information via the BBC Your Voice.
