Crete Wildfire Forces Mass Evacuations as Greece Battles Blazes Amid Heatwave

For the third consecutive day, firefighters in Greece have been battling a fierce wildfire on the southern coast of Crete, near the town of Ierapetra. The blaze, fueled by scorching temperatures and gale-force winds, has scorched forests and farmland, damaged homes, and forced the evacuation of over 5,000 people, including tourists, hotel staff, and local residents.

The fire broke out on Wednesday and quickly spread across rugged terrain, driven by winds reaching up to 9 on the Beaufort scale. Emergency crews, including over 200 firefighter, helicopters, and drones, have been working around the clock to contain the flames. Displaced tourists were relocated to nearby hotels or sheltered in an indoor basketball arena.

While no fatalities have been reported in Greece, the situation remains precarious. Authorities remain on high alert as hot, dry conditions persist, and flare-ups continue to threaten containment efforts. The wildfire has also disrupted ferry services and caused power outages in affected areas.

This crisis comes amid a broader regional emergency, with neighboring Turkey also battling deadly wildfires and extreme heat. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of such blazes across the Mediterranean.

As the flames slowly retreat, local officials are assessing the damage and bracing for continued challenges in the days ahead.