Devastating Wildfire in Crete Forces Evacuations as Emergency Efforts Intensify

A major wildfire broke out on Tuesday near Ierapetra in Crete's Lasithi region, continuing to defy firefighting efforts as of Thursday morning. The blaze has resulted in the evacuation of hundreds of residents and tourists from the area. The fire originated in the mountains between the villages of Ferma, Achlia, and Agia Fotia. It has since split into three main fronts, fueled by gale-force winds. Active firefighting efforts are currently concentrated near Ferma, Achlia, and Schinokapsala, according to reports from the Fire Service. Emergency alerts were issued via the 112 system, prompting swift evacuations from affected areas, including Agia Fotia, Galini, and Koutsounari. Tourists who were holidaying in these regions have been relocated to hotels in unaffected parts of Crete, while others found temporary refuge in a local indoor sports facility in Ierapetra. As the situation escalated, emergency services reported that several individuals were transported to hospitals suffering from respiratory issues. Ground and airborne firefighting units are engaged in a large-scale effort to contain the blaze, with reinforcements arriving from Athens. However, the ongoing efforts are being hampered by strong winds and the rugged terrain of the region. "Winds are still very strong and the fire is intense," stated Yiannis Androulakis, the deputy governor of Lasithi, during an interview with broadcaster ERT on Thursday morning. He added that, due to overnight conditions, aerial support had to be grounded, and all efforts were focused on saving as many homes as possible. While it was too early to assess the total number of homes that may have been lost, Androulakis mentioned that coordination with local agencies and the fire service continues to evaluate the full extent of the damage. Additionally, the region has experienced widespread power and communication outages, complicating the situation further. "We had no electricity throughout the night," Androulakis reported. "In most areas, we didn't even have a mobile signal." The rapid response and collaboration of local authorities, volunteers, and municipal crews using water tankers, bulldozers, and earthmoving machinery are critical in this challenging firefighting operation. However, residents and visitors alike are on edge as they wait for updates about the fire's progress and the safety of their homes. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2