Fires engulf tourist areas of Crete, around 8,000 people evacuated

High temperatures and the start of the usual wildfire season have confronted Greece with a serious situation. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the country must prepare for “difficult days.”

The fires have claimed the lives of three firefighters. Two of them were killed on the island of Crete, while the third firefighter lost his life near Gytheio, on mainland Greece.

In southwestern Crete, the advancing flames led to the evacuation of around 8,000 people. Some residents and tourists were transported by Coast Guard vessels after the fire threatened the tourist area of Agia Galini.

Around 300 firefighters have been mobilized to deal with the situation and are working to contain the fire hotspots. An Austrian tourist recounted that she and her family were forced to leave in their swimwear because the flames prevented them from returning to the hotel.