Wildfire forces mass evacuations on Greek Crete island, destroying homes, rentals VIDEO

A massive wildfire is sweeping through the Greek island of Crete, prompting the evacuation of at least 1,500 people from villages, tourist resorts, and coastal hotels as gale-force winds fuel its rapid spread.

The blaze broke out on the afternoon of July 2 in forested hills near Lerapetra, a popular area on an island that draws both international and domestic tourists. Fanned by powerful winds gusting up to eight on the Beaufort scale, the fire has surged southward, with emergency services reporting a fire front stretching over 6 kilometers, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Authorities said homes and rental properties have already been destroyed in settlements such as Agia Fotia, where power has reportedly been cut. Mass evacuations have taken place in areas including Achlia, Ferma, Agia Fotia, and Koutsounari. Many of the evacuees have been given temporary shelter in Lerapetra’s indoor sports hall. Some individuals trapped by advancing flames were reportedly rescued by boat from isolated beaches.

Firefighters in #Greece fought to contain a massive #wildfire on the popular tourist island of #Crete, which scorched forested areas, endangered homes, and forced the evacuation of residents and tourists from at least four settlements. pic.twitter.com/7xjFLeLxRn

— DD News (@DDNewslive) July 3, 2025

Major roads near the fire zone have been closed, and officials are urging residents and tourists to avoid non-essential travel due to poor air quality, extreme heat, and falling ash. Thick smoke has reduced visibility across the region and reached beaches located 10 kilometers from the fire.

“It’s a very difficult situation. The fire is very hard to contain. Right now, they cannot contain it,” said Nektarios Papadakis, a civil protection official at the regional authority, in comments to The Associated Press overnight.

Firefighting efforts have intensified through the night, with 155 firefighters, dozens of engines, specialized forest crews, and helicopters deployed. Additional reinforcements and equipment are being brought in from the mainland by sea and air to support the exhausted local teams. Crews are working to carve firebreaks in an effort to protect threatened settlements.

Several people, including elderly residents, have been treated for smoke inhalation, and health authorities have placed hospitals across Crete on high alert.

The wildfire began in an area of dense, dry vegetation between Agia Fotia and Skinokapsala. Steep terrain, parched ground, and high winds have made containment efforts particularly challenging.

The crisis unfolds as much of Europe, including Greece, experiences a sweltering heatwave. Earlier this week, Türkiye evacuated over 50,000 people due to wildfires in its Izmir province.

By Sabina Mammadli