Three firefighters lost their lives while battling major wildfires that erupted across several parts of Greece on Wednesday, as strong winds fuelled multiple fire fronts and hampered firefighting efforts.
The most serious blazes were reported in Rethymno, Sitia and Plomari, where firefighters fought through the night to contain continuing flare-ups.
Two firefighters trapped in vehicle
The tragedy in southern Rethymno occurred in the area of Sachtouria, where two firefighters became trapped in their vehicle and lost their bearings due to dense smoke.
The victims were a 25-year-old seasonal firefighter and a 58-year-old firefighter serving under a five-year contract. Two volunteers were also slightly injured during operations.
A third firefighter, aged 27, was found unconscious near Ageranos, Gytheio, outside the fire perimeter and away from the active front. He was transported to Sparta General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities said his death was attributed to pathological causes.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, parliament speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis and local officials expressed condolences to the families of the three firefighters.
Fire front stretches up to 20 kilometres
The most difficult conditions were reported in the Agios Vasileios municipality of Crete, where a fire that broke out near Krya Vrysi spread rapidly.
Flames advanced towards Melampes, Sachtouria, Kryopetra, Agios Pavlos, Agios Georgios, Orne and Agia Galini, creating a vast fire zone.
Authorities estimated the fire front stretched between 15 and 20 kilometres, burning forest, agricultural and cultivated land while threatening nearby communities.
During the night, 198 firefighters, 10 specialised ground teams and 43 vehicles were deployed to the area.
Around 2,000 tourists evacuated
A series of emergency 112 alerts were issued as authorities ordered precautionary evacuations of residents and visitors.
Evacuation orders covered several areas, including Akoumia, Sachtouria, Agia Galini, Orne, Ligres and Agia Paraskevi.
A large-scale operation was organised in Agia Galini, where approximately 2,000 tourists were relocated safely to hotels and shelters elsewhere in Rethymno.
Hundreds of visitors were also taken to an indoor sports hall in Moires, where mattresses and essential supplies were provided.
Coast Guard vessels, rescue boats and private craft helped evacuate people who had sought refuge on beaches. In total, 29 people were rescued by sea.
Homes reported destroyed
Initial reports from Sachtouria suggested that around 10 homes had been destroyed.
Residents told local media that some villagers remained unable to return to their homes for hours while the fire continued to spread.
Greece's Tourism Ministry and the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels activated a special online platform to provide temporary accommodation for affected residents and visitors.
Evacuations in Sitia
Two active fire fronts remained under operation in the Lasithi district.
At Agia Triada, Sitia, 48 firefighters, three specialist units and 12 vehicles were deployed.
The fire passed through the area of the Atherinolakkos power station, causing limited damage to facilities.
A separate blaze also broke out in the Goudouras and Asprolithos areas, prompting authorities to urge residents to move towards Makry Gialos.
Strong winds hamper efforts in Plomari
Firefighters and volunteers also spent the night tackling flare-ups near Plomari on the island of Lesvos.
The operation involved 92 firefighters, five specialist ground teams and 19 vehicles.
Winds exceeding force eight on the Beaufort scale, difficult terrain and limited road access complicated firefighting efforts.
Seven active fires across Greece
While authorities managed to contain the wildfire near Ageranos, Laconia, firefighting operations continued at several other locations.
Between 6pm on Tuesday and 6pm on Wednesday, 37 rural and forest fires were recorded across Greece. Thirty were brought under control quickly, while emergency crews continued battling the remaining seven.
The causes of the fires are under investigation.
Very high fire risk remains
Greek authorities warned that a very high fire risk (Category 4) remained in force for Thursday across large parts of the country, including Attica, the Peloponnese, Central Greece, the northeastern Aegean islands, the Cyclades and all of Crete.
The Fire Service has moved to its second-highest state of operational readiness, while aerial and ground patrols have been increased.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid activities that could spark fires and to immediately report any outbreaks to emergency services.
Source: protothema.gr
