A massive wildfire sweeping through eastern Crete has triggered the evacuation of thousands and left a trail of destruction across residential and tourist areas, as intense winds and extreme heat continue to fuel the blaze.
The fire broke out Wednesday afternoon near the village of Achlia and quickly spread across mountainous terrain, aided by gale-force winds and soaring temperatures. Greece’s fire service has confirmed that the blaze has now developed into three active fronts — in Achlia, Ferma, and Skinokapsala — with flare-ups complicating containment efforts.
Authorities have ordered the urgent evacuation of homes, hotels, and rental properties in Ferma, with fire crews, police, and volunteers coordinating the operation. According to Manolis Tzarakis, head of the Ierapetra and Southeast Crete Hoteliers’ Association, approximately 5,000 people — most of them foreign tourists — have been evacuated. Around 200 evacuees are currently being housed in a sports facility in Ierapetra.
By Thursday morning, more than 230 firefighters, 46 engines, 13 ground units, a drone team, and ten helicopters were engaged in firefighting operations. However, the situation remains dire, with significant damage already reported.
Homes, businesses, villas, hotels, and greenhouses have been destroyed, particularly in the Agia Fotia area, which is also experiencing power outages. Police have closed off the main road near the area, warning the public to stay indoors due to hazardous conditions including ash fall, poor air quality, and extreme heat.
The Greek health ministry has placed all hospitals in Crete on alert. Emergency warnings were broadcast throughout the day via the 112 public alert system, instructing evacuations in Achlia, Ferma, Agia Fotia, Galini, and Koutsounari. Some individuals trapped by road closures were reportedly evacuated by boat.
The wildfire crisis coincides with deadly fires in western Turkey, where an elderly man and a forestry worker lost their lives. Meanwhile, at least six people have died across Europe due to a severe early summer heatwave, with recent fatalities reported in Spain, Italy, and France.
