Fire in Crete and Halkidiki, where Romanian tourists are on vacation. Hundreds of firefighters are struggling with the flames
Greek firefighters intervene to extinguish a proportions fire in Ierapetra, on Crete Island, on July 2, 2025. Photo source: Kostas Metaksakis / AFP / Profimedia
Greek firefighters are fighting with several fires, the most serious being reported on the Crete and Kythera islands, as well as in the north of the Halkidiki region, where many Romanian citizens choose to spend their summer leave.
On the island of Crete, a quick propagation fire broke out on Wednesday near Ierpetra, forcing the evacuation of at least four settlements, including Achlia, and endangering the houses, according to the Greek press.
Over 150 firefighters and almost 40 vehicles and water tanks have been mobilized, and reinforcements arrive on the air and sea in Athens, The Greek Herald reports. The strong winds and the difficult ground have made the extinguishing efforts difficult.
“It is a very difficult fire and has not yet been extinguished,” a firefighter official told Reuters, adding that the wind and relief prevent operations.
Although no victims were reported, some houses suffered damage, and about 3,000 people were evacuated in temporary shelters.
More and more fires in Greece
Greece, which often face fires during hot and dry summer, is increasingly destructive, attributed to the effects of climate change.
In Halkidiki, another fire broke out in the Vourvourou region, burning forests near Livari, near residential areas. Although the fire front is relatively small, about 800 meters long, a nearby camping was evacuated.
Several Romanians are on leave in the Halkidiki area and say they are thinking of leaving for the house, according to TVR.
The emergency services issued an alert 112, advising the locals to go to Nikiti.
The mayor of Sithonia, Ioannis Mallinis, said: “I acted quickly and avoided what was worse.”
Over 140 firefighters, 14 aircraft, five helicopters and local volunteers are involved in the fire extinguishing efforts, and the authorities are optimistic that they will be able to master it.
The crews also intervene at an uncontrolled fire on the island of Kythera.
