A major wildfire has erupted on the island of Crete in Greece, leading to a large-scale emergency response and evacuations. The fire started near Ierapetra, a coastal town on the southeastern side of the island, on Wednesday afternoon.
The blaze intensified due to scorching temperatures, which are 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms, and powerful winds reaching up to 50 miles per hour. The extreme conditions have created a volatile situation, with continuous new flare-ups making containment efforts more challenging for firefighters.
Firefighters Battle Blaze as Thousands Evacuate and Emergency Shelters Open in Ierapetra
More than 230 firefighters have been deployed to combat the blaze, supported by 46 vehicles and 10 helicopters. Despite their efforts, the fire has rapidly spread to residential areas and tourist accommodations, including homes and hotels. Authorities have urged residents in four settlements to evacuate immediately and head toward Ierapetra. So far, around 1,500 people have been safely evacuated, according to Greek state broadcaster ERT.
Wildfire Erupts on Crete as Heat and High Winds Force Mass Evacuations and Strain Firefighting EffortsIn response to the emergency, the municipality of Ierapetra has transformed a local indoor training center into a temporary shelter for those displaced by the fire. Tourists and residents spent the night there after fleeing their homes and hotels. Emergency services, including the police, medical teams, and the coast guard, have all been mobilized to assist with evacuations and provide aid to those affected.
Europe Faces Escalating Wildfire Threat Amid Heat Wave and Climate Change Impact
Chief Vasilios Vathrakoyannis of the Fire Department warned that Greece is now entering the most dangerous phase of its fire season. July is historically the hottest month in the country, often accompanied by strong winds that exacerbate fire conditions. He emphasized that the current weather significantly increases the risk and severity of wildfires, making firefighting operations even more hazardous and complex.
The crisis in Crete is part of a broader pattern of devastating wildfires sweeping across Europe amid a prolonged heat wave. In Turkey, tens of thousands of people were evacuated as fires tore through several provinces, damaging nearly 200 homes.
Similar outbreaks have been reported in France and Spain, where at least two people have died. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of wildfires across the continent by driving higher temperatures and prolonged drought conditions.