Firefighters in Greece are battling multiple wildfires, with major blazes reported on the islands of Crete and Kythera, as well as in the northern region of Halkidiki.
On the island of Crete, a fast-moving fire broke out on Wednesday near Ierapetra, forcing the evacuation of at least four settlements, including Achlia, and placing homes at risk.
Around 155 firefighters supported by 38 vehicles and water tankers have been deployed, with reinforcements arriving by air and sea from Athens. The strong gale-force winds and difficult terrain have made containment efforts particularly challenging.
“It is a very difficult fire and it is still in progress,” a fire brigade official told Reuters, adding that the wind and landscape were hindering operations.
While no injuries have been reported, some homes have reportedly sustained damage, and approximately 3,000 evacuees have been moved to temporary shelters.
Greece, which often experiences wildfires during its hot and dry summers, is seeing increasingly destructive blazes attributed to the effects of climate change.
In Halkidiki, a separate wildfire ignited in the Vourvourou region, burning forest land near Livari, close to residential areas. Although the fire front is relatively small – around 800 metres long – a nearby campsite was evacuated as a precaution. Emergency services issued a 112 alert, advising locals to move toward Nikiti.
Mayor of Sithonia, Ioannis Mallinis, said: “We acted quickly and avoided the worst.” Over 140 firefighters, 14 aircraft, five helicopters, and local volunteers are engaged in the effort, with authorities optimistic about containing the blaze.
Meanwhile, crews are also responding to an uncontrolled fire on Kythera.
Source: Reuters and Ekathimerini
