Greek crews fought a major wildfire on Crete that forced roughly 8,000 people to evacuate from Agia Galini and claimed the lives of three firefighters. Wind gusts of up to 120 km/h drove a fire front longer than 12 km and hampered aerial firefighting. Authorities deployed more than 200 firefighters and 53 engines while the EU prepared additional support. Several regions were placed on near-maximum alert as other blazes burned across Greece.
Deadly Crete Wildfire Forces 8,000 Evacuations; Three Firefighters Killed
The fire south of the city of Rethymno forced officials to evacuate some 8,000 people overnight (Costas METAXAKIS)
Greek authorities battled multiple wildfires on Thursday, with the largest blaze on the island of Crete forcing around 8,000 residents and tourists to evacuate from the coastal resort of Agia Galini. The fire, south of Rethymno, spread quickly under violent winds and is believed to have destroyed homes, farm buildings and livestock as crews worked to contain it.
Rapid Spread and Dangerous Conditions
The National Observatory's weather service, meteo.gr, recorded wind shears in the Rethymno area of up to 120 km/h, contributing to a fire front stretching more than 12 kilometres. Gusting winds repeatedly changed the fire's direction and at times prevented firefighting aircraft from collecting seawater for aerial drops.
Human Cost and Evacuations
Maria Lioni, deputy governor of the Rethymno area, said approximately 8,000 people were evacuated from Agia Galini. The coast guard carried out numerous maritime evacuations after the flames came within about one kilometre of the village before shifting direction in the evening. Two firefighters were trapped and killed on a mountain road near Krya Vrysi, and a third firefighter collapsed and died while combating a separate blaze near Gytheio on the Peloponnese peninsula.
Response and International Support
The Hellenic Fire Service committed more than 200 firefighters and 53 fire engines to the Crete operation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU was preparing additional support for Greece. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis paid tribute to the fallen firefighters and warned of 'difficult days' ahead, urging people to exercise extreme caution amid what officials said were many fires caused by gross negligence.
Wider Situation
Authorities reported additional fires elsewhere, including nearly 100 firefighters tackling a blaze near Plomari on Lesbos and a new fire that broke out near Asomatos, roughly 60 km from Rethymno. The civil protection ministry placed Crete, greater Athens, the eastern Peloponnese and most Aegean islands on near-maximum fire alert.
On-the-ground accounts: Tourists described frightened, hurried evacuations with many leaving without luggage or documents; some returned to hotels the following day as the immediate danger eased.
The situation remained fluid as crews worked to secure containment lines and assess the full scale of damage.
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