Wildfires ravage Crete and Halkidiki as Greece battles summer blazes

·

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.

Wildfires ravage Crete and Halkidiki as Greece battles summer blazes
Beachgoers in Halkidiki watch wildfire burn after intense heatwave. Photo: Screenshot / The Guardian.

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

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Magna Graecia – Part 4: From Colony to Colossus: Syracuse and Hellenism in Sicily

Syracuse (in present-day Sicily) was founded in 734 BCE by settlers from Corinth and Tenea, led by their oikist (founder), Archias.

Scam no more: Protecting what’s most important with Evan Frangos

Hailing from Ikaria, Greece, Evan is also a Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator, specialising in recovering funds lost to scams and hacks.

Upcoming Sydney lecture will explore the Greek Civil War in Greek literature

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) will delve into the history of the Greek Civil War as presented in Greek literature.

Greek olive oil in Japan: Health, heritage and authenticity

At the Olive Japan International Olive Oil Competition, Greek olive oils earned 12 Gold Medals and 36 Silvers.

The Greek island tourists haven’t overrun

Unlike Santorini, which draws up to 3.4 million visitors annually, the island of Kea remains largely under the radar.

You May Also Like

Gaganis Bros and The Greek on Halifax listed as exposure sites in SA as COVID cases grow

South Australia has recorded a COVID–19 case in an 81-year-old man who presented to the Modbury Hospital in Adelaide's north eastern suburbs.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia launches ‘COVID-19 Community Relief’ program

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has announced the creation of a 'COVID-19 Community Relief' program to give assistance to people struggling.

On this day: Greek Expeditionary Force (GEF) departs to take part in the Korean War

The Greek Expeditionary Force received US Presidential Unit Citations for their assistance and participation in the intense battles.