Wildfires Engulf Crete as Front Stretches Over 15 Kilometers, Thousands Evacuated and Three Firefighters Killed

The fire that broke out on Wednesday afternoon in the Kria Vrisi area remains out of control. Fanned by strong winds, it spread rapidly toward southern Rethymno, creating a fire front stretching more than 15 kilometers.

Ground forces were significantly reinforced this morning. A total of 224 firefighters, 53 vehicles and eleven teams on foot were deployed in the operation.

Aircraft also began operating at daybreak, but strong winds prevented them from intervening along most of the fire front.

A large-scale evacuation operation was carried out overnight in the tourist area of Agia Galini. Approximately two thousand foreign tourists were evacuated from the hotels and other facilities where they were staying and taken to safe locations, including other hotels and the indoor sports hall in Heraklion.

Local authorities said that thousands of residents and visitors in total have left the wider Agia Galini area. Mattresses, food and essential supplies have been provided for the evacuees, while the Red Cross, police, municipalities and volunteers have joined the relief operation.

The flames have damaged farmland, olive groves, livestock enclosures, animals and homes. Although no populated area is currently under direct threat, authorities consider the situation extremely dangerous.

Two firefighters, aged 58 and 25, were killed after being surrounded by the fire while battling the flames. Another firefighter died while taking part in an operation at a separate fire in Gythio, in the Peloponnese.

In Plomari, on the island of Lesvos, the situation has improved, although the winds continue to spark new outbreaks. The fire had reached areas close to homes, and several parts of the town were evacuated.

Meanwhile, in Sitia, the flames have been contained on a mountain peak where access is difficult and do not pose a threat to populated areas.

Fires have also broken out on other islands, including Paros. Greek authorities remain on high alert, as winds in the Aegean are forecast to reach up to force eight.