A fast-moving wildfire assisted by gale-force winds burned through Greece’s southern island of Crete on Wednesday night into Thursday morning (July 2 and 3), prompting the evacuation.
The local fire department said 230 firefighters backed up by 10 water-dropping aircraft were battling the flames, which have burned through forest and farmland in the Ierapetra area on the island’s southern coast.
Several people were treated for breathing difficulties following the wildfire in Crete, officials said, but there were no immediate reports of serious injuries.
While homes were reported to have been damaged as flames swept through hillside forests, fanned by strong winds.
Two people were evacuated by boat overnight, while six private boats were on standby in case further evacuations by sea became necessary, the coast guard added.
Crete wildfire “very hard to contain,” say officials
“It’s a very difficult situation. The fire is very hard to contain. Right now, they cannot contain it,” civil protection official at the regional authority, Nektarios Papadakis, told The Associated Press.
“The tourists who were moved out are all OK. They have been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other regions of the island.”
The fire service and a civil protection agency issued mobile phone alerts for the evacuations and appealed to residents not to return to try to save their property.
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The risk of wildfires remains very high across Crete and parts of southern Greece on Thursday, according to a daily bulletin issued by the fire service.
UK travel advice amid Crete wildfires
Crete is one of Greece’s most popular destinations for both foreign and domestic tourists.
Wildfires are frequent in the country during its hot, dry summers, and the fire department has already tackled dozens across Greece so far this year.
The UK Government, via the foreign travel advice website, said: “Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.”
The government urged anyone planning on travelling to Crete to ensure their mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts warning of wildfires.
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They also advised travellers to:
- Follow @112Greece for official updates
- Follow the guidance of the emergency services
- Call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger
- Contact your airline or travel operator, who can assist you with return travel to the UK
For further information, see Greece’s Civil Protection website.
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The UK Government also warned that causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece, “even if unintentional”.
To avoid starting wildfires:
- Leave no litter, especially not glass, which is known to start fires
- Make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished
- Do not light barbecues
If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.
