Mass Evacuations Underway as Wildfire Rages Unchecked on Greek Island of Crete

Fueled by gale-force winds, a massive blaze near Ierapetra forces over 1,500 people to flee as homes, hotels, and power lines lie in the fire’s path.

Crete, Greece – July 3, 2025:
A devastating wildfire has triggered mass evacuations on the Greek island of Crete, as the flames continue to burn out of control for the second day. The blaze erupted on Wednesday afternoon in rugged, forested terrain near the municipality of Ierapetra, and has since been propelled by gale-force winds across a fire front stretching over 6 kilometers.

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The rapidly spreading flames are threatening residential homes, hotels, rental properties, and even critical infrastructure like a nearby fuel station, raising fears of explosions and power failures.

Authorities have launched a full-scale emergency evacuation, with over 1,500 people relocated from the areas of Ferma, Achlia, Agia Fotia, Galini, and Koutsounari to Ierapetra, where nearly 200 evacuees are currently sheltered in an indoor sports arena. Emergency alerts through the 112 public warning system have been issued throughout the day.

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Thick smoke has blanketed much of the surrounding region, severely reducing visibility and prompting police to shut down major roads, including the one near Agia Fotia. The local population and tourists have been urged to avoid non-essential travel due to hazardous air quality, extreme heat, and falling ash.

In Agia Fotia, properties have already been consumed by the fire, and the area is currently facing a power outage. At least four elderly individuals have been hospitalized due to respiratory issues from smoke inhalation.

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Firefighting operations have been intensified, with 155 firefighters, eight specialized foot teams, and 38 fire engines deployed. Four helicopters assisted with water drops until nightfall. Reinforcements are en route from Piraeus and Elefsina, including units from Greece’s Special Forest Firefighting Unit (EMODE).

Authorities have also conducted tactical withdrawals to ensure firefighter safety and focus on constructing firebreaks to protect nearby settlements. In some coastal areas, evacuees were rescued by boat due to road closures.

The wildfire, which likely originated between Agia Fotia and Skinokapsala, continues to rage through dense and dry vegetation in steep terrain, making containment extremely difficult. As a precaution, all hospitals on Crete have been placed on alert by health authorities.

Meanwhile, much of Southern Europe continues to suffer under an intense early summer heatwave, with at least six heat-related deaths reported in Spain, Italy, and France. Earlier this week, Turkey’s Izmir province witnessed the evacuation of over 50,000 people due to similar wildfires.

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Greece wildfires, Crete fire, Ierapetra evacuation, Ferma wildfire, Agia Fotia fire, Greek islands, Europe heatwave, wildfire evacuation, tourist evacuation, Greece emergency response, climate crisis