Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Firefighters try to extinguish a wildfire near Ierapetra, on the island of Crete, Greece, July 3, 2025. REUTERS
Over 5,000 evacuated as wildfire burns in Crete
Athens – Over 5,000 people, mostly tourists, were forced to evacuate the Lasithi region of Crete on Thursday as an uncontrollable wildfire swept through the area, EFE reported.
The blaze, which ignited on Wednesday afternoon, has spread across three fronts and continues to intensify, driven by powerful winds, according to the fire department.
Civil protection officials have described the situation as extremely challenging, as reported by the local newspaper Kathimerini.
Giorgos Tzarakis, a member of the Hoteliers’ Association of Ierapetra and Southeast Crete, confirmed that the majority of evacuees were tourists staying in local hotels.
A force of roughly 230 firefighters, supported by 46 fire engines and 13 hiking teams, has been deployed in eastern Crete. Ten helicopters and water tankers are also working relentlessly to tame the flames.
Deputy mayor of Ierapetra, Nektarios Papadakis, reported that the fire had reached several homes scattered throughout the region, inflicting significant damage. In addition to residential properties, forested areas and olive groves have been burned.
So far, five coastal towns have undergone evacuation.
Four individuals have been hospitalized due to respiratory issues, and authorities have had to intervene in several instances to rescue people trapped in their homes.
In the town of Agia Fotia, which was also evacuated, local outlet SKAI reported that two people stranded on a beach were rescued by a private vessel with the assistance of the Coast Guard.