A fierce wildfire, driven by gale‑force winds, tore through Crete’s southern Ierapetra region overnight into Thursday. Over 1,500 people, including holiday‑makers and locals alike, have been evacuated from hotels and homes.
Fire crews are working tirelessly. Approximately 230 firefighters, supported by ten water‑bombing aircraft, are battling the blaze that has engulfed forest and farmland along the island’s arid southern coast.
Coastguard teams sprang into action. Two individuals were rescued by boat during the night. Another six private vessels remain on standby for any further evacuations by sea. The fire’s rapid spread, fuelled by strong winds, has also caused damage to hillside properties.
Terrible forest fire in Ierapetra, on the southeast coast of Crete, Greece (02.07.2025) pic.twitter.com/KvXSbWqduu
— Disaster News (@Top_Disaster) July 2, 2025
“It’s a very difficult situation. The fire is very hard to contain. Right now, they cannot contain it,” stated Nektarios Papadakis, a civil protection official.
“The tourists who were moved out are all okay. They have been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other regions of the island.”
Local authorities issued urgent mobile alerts, urging residents to stay clear and avoid returning to protect their property.
As the fire crawled over ridgelines and edged near homes, plumes of ash drifted into the night sky. Emergency vehicle headlights and water lorries cast an eerie glow along the coastal roads by Ferma and Achlia resorts.
Some residents were treated for mild breathing problems. Thankfully, there have been no reports of serious injuries.
Crete remains a top travel choice for visitors from both at home and abroad. Yet, the wildfire threat remains acute. According to the daily Fire Service bulletin, large parts of Crete and southern Greece are still rated at “very high” risk.
ΕΚΤΑΚΤΟ: Μαζική εκκένωση τουριστικών καταλυμάτων. Η #φωτιά στα Φέρμα Ιεράπετρας εκτός ελέγχου.
Οι αρχές έχουν ήδη δώσει εντολή για μαζική εκκένωση ξενοδοχείων, ενοικιαζόμενων δωματίων και κατοικιών, καθώς οι φλόγες πλησιάζουν επικίνδυνα τις εγκαταστάσεις. #Κρήτη #πυρκαγιά pic.twitter.com/1O5o0hj8iO
— Εποχικοί Πυροσβέστες (@epoxpyrosvestes) July 2, 2025
With Greece’s hot, dry summer ongoing, wildfires continue to be a pressing danger. So far this season, dozens of fires have already broken out across the country.
A chilling reminder of the past haunts memories: in 2018, a catastrophic blaze devastated Mati, east of Athens. More than 100 people perished—some trapped in homes, others caught on roads, and tragically, a few even drowned as they fled into the sea.
Key Developments:
- Evacuations: Over 1,500 people, including tourists.
- Firefighting Response: 230 firefighters and 10 aircraft deployed.
- Health Impact: Several residents were treated for respiratory issues.
- Ongoing Threat: High fire alert across southern Greece.
The situation remains critical. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and urge vigilance as the firefighting operation progresses.
