A raging wildfire on the Greek island of Crete has forced the evacuation of over 1,500 people, as a punishing early summer heatwave tightens its grip on southern Europe. Fanned by violent winds, the blaze erupted near the southeastern coastal town of Ierapetra on Wednesday evening and quickly spiraled out of control, devouring homes, crops, and holiday accommodations in its path.
By Thursday, at least 230 firefighters—some urgently flown in from Athens—were battling to contain the flames, which had spread across three major fronts. Helicopters, drones, and water bomber aircraft were scrambled in a desperate effort to bring the inferno under control. But overnight, gale-force winds reaching up to 9 on the Beaufort scale grounded some firefighting aircraft, giving the fire free rein to spread.
Local officials described scenes of chaos and panic as flames crept dangerously close to residential areas and tourist resorts. Dozens of terrified residents and visitors were rushed to safety, with many seeking refuge in an indoor stadium in Ierapetra. Some were treated for respiratory issues caused by thick, choking smoke.
“Three settlements were evacuated and more than 1,000 people left their homes,” said George Tsapakos, Crete’s deputy civil protection governor, in a statement to state broadcaster ERT. “This is an extremely difficult situation.”
Vice-Prefect Yannis Androulakis warned that the fire’s speed and ferocity were being driven by relentless winds. “The blaze is burning through scrubland and agricultural fields, moving fast across multiple fronts,” he said. “The conditions are treacherous.”
The situation on Crete is part of a wider emergency engulfing the region. In Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, a separate wildfire claimed at least two lives, while France and Italy have reported multiple heat-related deaths this week.
Greece remains on high alert. The fire service warned on Thursday that the risk of new blazes across southern Greece, including Crete, remains critically high. The country is still reeling from last summer—the hottest on record—when wildfires scorched over 45,000 hectares (111,200 acres) of land. That figure nearly quadrupled in 2023, when nearly 175,000 hectares (432,400 acres) were lost to firestorms, with temperatures soaring to a blistering 46°C (115°F).
As the heat intensifies and the winds show no sign of relenting, firefighters and residents alike are bracing for what could become yet another devastating summer in the Mediterranean.
By Aljazeera
