Greece in flames: three firefighters killed on Crete, tourists evacuated by sea, fires engulf Paros too

Greece continues to battle one of the most severe waves of wildfires this summer. The most difficult situation remains in the south of the island of Crete, in the Rethymno area, as well as in the southeastern Peloponnese. At the same time, a new major fire broke out on the island of Paros, where the flames are spreading rapidly due to extremely strong winds.

According to the Greek fire service, wind gusts in some areas are reaching 10–11 on the Beaufort scale. Because of these conditions, firefighting planes and helicopters are largely unable to safely carry out water drops, leaving ground units to bear the main burden of the response.

The most tragic news came from Crete. Two firefighters were killed while battling a fire near the village of Krya Vrysi. According to preliminary information, their fire engine was surrounded by flames after a sudden change in the direction of the fire’s spread. Another fire service official — the deputy head of the Gythio unit in the Peloponnese — was killed while fighting another major blaze.

The President of Greece, the prime minister and the country’s parliament expressed their condolences to the victims’ families, calling the firefighters heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty.

The situation remains particularly difficult in the Rethymno area. The fire was spreading rapidly toward populated areas and tourist zones. Authorities ordered the evacuation of several villages, while the coast guard carried out a rescue operation, evacuating 29 people from the coast by sea. The fire was also moving toward the resort town of Agia Galini, from where tourists were being taken away by buses and private vehicles.

Meanwhile, a serious fire broke out on the island of Paros as well. Due to strong winds, the flames are spreading rapidly through dry vegetation. Residents of several communities have been advised to leave the danger areas immediately. Dozens of firefighters, specialized equipment and aircraft have been mobilized to fight the blaze, although the operation of aerial resources is periodically hampered by weather conditions.

Greek authorities warn that the next 24 hours will remain extremely difficult. High temperatures, drought and storm-force winds are creating ideal conditions for new fires to break out and existing ones to spread rapidly.

Wildfires have become part of a large-scale crisis affecting southern Europe this summer. Major fires are continuing simultaneously in France, Spain, Turkey and other Mediterranean countries, where extreme heat and drought are significantly complicating the work of emergency services.