Over 1,500 Evacuated as Wildfire Rages on Greek Island of Crete Amid Scorching Heatwave

A fast-moving wildfire on the Greek island of Crete has forced the evacuation of more than 1,500 residents and tourists, as southern Europe battles yet another deadly summer heatwave linked to escalating climate extremes.

The fire broke out on Wednesday evening near the town of Ierapetra, on the island’s southeastern coast, and quickly spread due to strong winds, according to local authorities. By Thursday, flames had reached homes, hotels, and farmland, prompting emergency services to mobilize a large-scale response.

More than 230 firefighters including reinforcements from Athens were deployed to the scene. Drones, helicopters, and water bombers have been working to contain the flames, though firefighting planes reportedly struggled to operate during the night due to strong gusts.

"There are still multiple active fronts," said Vice-Prefect Yannis Androulakis. "The wind has made it extremely difficult to control. It’s burning both scrubland and cultivated areas."

At least three settlements were evacuated, and many evacuees were taken to an indoor stadium for shelter. Local officials reported that some individuals were treated for respiratory issues linked to smoke inhalation.

"This is a very dangerous fire," said George Tsapakos, Crete’s deputy civil protection governor, who noted that the situation remains volatile due to winds reaching up to nine on the Beaufort scale.

The emergency in Crete mirrors similar disasters unfolding across the region. In northeastern Spain, a separate wildfire in Catalonia claimed the lives of at least two people, while France and Italy have both recorded heat-related fatalities this week.

Greece’s fire service issued a red alert on Thursday, warning that the risk of further wildfires remains "very high" across Crete and much of the country’s southern regions.

Climate scientists have long warned that Mediterranean nations are becoming epicentres of intensifying heatwaves and wildfires driven by rising global temperatures. Last year, Greece suffered its hottest summer on record, with wildfires destroying over 45,000 hectares. In 2023, the toll was even higher nearly 175,000 hectares burned, as temperatures soared to a blistering 46°C (115°F).

As emergency crews continue to battle the blaze, the unfolding crisis in Crete serves as yet another stark reminder of the mounting human and environmental costs of a warming planet.


By WafricNews Desk.