A fierce wildfire has engulfed eastern Crete, leading to swift evacuations and significant firefighting operations. The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in a rugged area near Ierapetra and has rapidly spread due to strong winds peaking at eight on the Beaufort scale. Authorities have reported that the fire front has surpassed 6 kilometers, creating a dire situation as it threatens residential areas, tourist accommodations, and critical infrastructure, such as fueling stations.
Visibility has been severely compromised due to thick smoke, leading police to close main roads around Agia Fotia and warn residents and visitors against non-essential travel. Reports indicate that properties have been lost in Agia Fotia, as firefighters continue to battle the flames amidst rising health concerns, including at least four elderly individuals requiring hospital care for smoke-related respiratory issues.
In response, health authorities have placed all hospitals on high alert, and emergency services have ordered mass evacuations from areas at risk, including hotels and rental homes in the Ferma municipality. Currently, around 1,500 individuals have been relocated to Ierapetra, where approximately 200 evacuees are being accommodated in an indoor sports arena.
Firefighting efforts have been bolstered, deploying 155 firefighters, specialized units, and heavy machinery on the ground. As of Wednesday night, water drops by four helicopters have ceased, although additional firefighting units and resources are being dispatched from Piraeus via ferry, while more crews are arriving by air.
The fire, believed to have ignited between Agia Fotia and Skinokapsala, continues to burn through dense forests, fueled by steep terrain and extremely dry conditions, making containment challenging. Meanwhile, emergency alerts were disseminated via the 112 warning system throughout the region, directing residents and tourists to evacuate towards Ierapetra.
Recent wildfires have also struck Turkey, affecting more than 50,000 people in Izmir, amidst a wider European crisis featuring multiple heat-related fatalities connected to an early summer heatwave affecting nations including Spain, Italy, and France.
