Athens: Greek firefighters are battling a large wildfire on the island of Crete, which has threatened homes and prompted evacuations in multiple settlements.
The blaze, sparked in the afternoon in Ierapetra municipality on Crete’s southeastern coast, has burned forested areas and challenged firefighting efforts due to strong gale-force winds.
Approximately 155 firefighters, supported by 38 engines and water trucks, are working to control the flames. Reinforcements from Athens, including boats and aircraft, are en route to assist.
Local authorities have evacuated Achlia and three other villages, relocating around 3,000 residents and tourists to temporary shelters.
The mayor of Sithonia, Ioannis Mallinis, stated, “We acted quickly and avoided the worst.”
Emergency services issued an alert via the 112 system shortly after 4 p.m., advising residents in the affected area to evacuate towards the nearby village of Nikiti as a precautionary measure.No injuries have been reported so far, though some homes are believed to have been damaged.
Firefighters are also responding to wildfires on the nearby island of Kythira and in Halkidiki, northern Greece.
Experts attribute the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in Greece to climate change and prolonged hot, dry summers.
