Major Fire Continues in Crete, More Than 8,000 Evacuated as Strong Winds Threaten Tourist Areas

The fire in Crete broke out on Wednesday in the Rethymnos region and, fanned by strong winds, spread rapidly. The flames have destroyed homes and farmland, while the blaze continues to burn out of control and remains one of the largest active fires on the island.

With winds reaching up to 125 km/h, resorts and tourist villages came under threat. During the night, around 8,000 residents were forced to leave their homes, but were later allowed to return.

Two firefighters lost their lives in Crete after becoming trapped while attempting to extinguish a fire near Krya Vrysi, in the Rethymnos region. Another firefighter died in Greece near the port city of Gytheio, in the Peloponnese.

Greece is one of several European countries facing drought and devastating wildfires.

In Spain and Portugal, several fires remain active, although Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the end of the national emergency related to the fires in the regions of Ávila and Madrid.

Meanwhile, in southwestern France, some residents have returned to their homes following the major fire that swept through the Gironde region.