Greece is facing a major wildfire emergency, with 296 firefighters deployed across several fronts as strong winds, exceeding 100 kilometres per hour in some areas, continue to hamper firefighting operations.
The most challenging situation remains in Crete, where crews are battling a large wildfire in southern Rethymno. Two firefighters, aged 25 and 58, lost their lives while fighting the blaze, with funerals held today.
A new fire also broke out in the Asomatos area, burning low vegetation and forcing authorities to reinforce firefighting forces. Strong winds disrupted initial efforts to contain the flames, while the 112 emergency alert system issued multiple evacuation messages to residents and visitors in threatened areas.
According to the Fire Service Operations Centre, the fire was reported at around 13:15 on Thursday and was immediately met with aerial and ground resources. The operation was reinforced with 72 firefighters, four specialist wildfire teams from the 3rd, 6th and 19th Special Forest Operations Units (EMODE), a team from the 3rd Special Disaster Response Unit (EMAK), and 13 fire engines.
Three helicopters are assisting from the air, although strong winds have made water drops more difficult. The operation is also supported by water tankers from the Municipality of Rethymno, as well as police and coast guard units.
Meanwhile, firefighting efforts continue on the islands of Andros, Paros and Kalymnos, where authorities are also battling active wildfire fronts.
In southern Rethymno, a total of 51 people were rescued by sea from the Preveli area after evacuating the wildfire zone. The operation, coordinated by the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection and the Hellenic Coast Guard, was carried out under extremely difficult conditions due to gale-force winds reaching 8 on the Beaufort scale.
The wider region remains under Category 4 – Very High Fire Risk, with strong winds continuing to pose a major challenge for firefighting crews.
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