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A massive wildfire sweeping through eastern Crete has forced the evacuation of thousands and caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and natural landscapes, as fierce winds continue to hinder firefighting efforts.
The fire ignited on Wednesday afternoon near the village of Achlia and has since expanded rapidly across forested and mountainous terrain, fueled by gale-force winds and soaring temperatures.
According to the Greek Fire Service, the blaze has now fragmented into three active fronts—spanning the areas of Achlia, Ferma, and Skinokapsala.
Firefighters report that the extreme weather conditions are generating continuous flare-ups, severely complicating containment efforts. Authorities have ordered mass evacuations across the Ferma municipality, impacting hotels, holiday rentals, and private residences. The evacuation operation is being carried out with assistance from fire crews, police forces, and local volunteers.
Manolis Tzarakis, head of the Ierapetra and Southeast Crete Hoteliers’ Association, stated in a radio interview on Thursday that approximately 5,000 individuals have been evacuated, most of them foreign tourists staying in local accommodations. Around 200 evacuees are currently being housed in a sports hall in the town of Ierapetra.
As of Thursday morning, emergency services have deployed 230 firefighters, including 13 specialized ground teams, supported by 46 fire engines and drone surveillance. Aerial operations include 10 helicopters, one of which is tasked with coordinating the airborne response. Authorities confirm extensive destruction, with villas, homes, greenhouses, hotels, and various businesses damaged or destroyed in both coastal and inland locations.
In the settlement of Agia Fotia, widespread destruction of homes and tourist properties has been reported. The area is currently experiencing a power outage, and at least four elderly individuals have been hospitalized due to respiratory complications from smoke inhalation.
Police have shut down the main road near Agia Fotia and are urging the public to refrain from non-essential travel due to poor air quality, dangerous heat levels, and falling ash.
In response to the unfolding disaster, Crete’s health authorities have placed all regional hospitals on high alert.
Throughout Wednesday, Greece’s 112 emergency alert system issued evacuation warnings for Achlia, Ferma, Agia Fotia, Galini, and later Koutsounari, instructing both locals and tourists to head toward Ierapetra for safety.
Reports indicate that some individuals stranded by blocked roads were rescued by boat from nearby beaches.
This comes amid a wider climate crisis in southern Europe. Earlier this week, more than 50,000 people were evacuated due to wildfires in Turkey’s western Izmir province.
At least six heat-related deaths have been recorded across Europe, with fatalities reported in Spain, Italy, and France as the continent struggles with a severe early-summer heatwave.
