Firefighting forces across Greece are engaged in a major battle against multiple wildfires that broke out on Wednesday, with devastating blazes reported in Halkidiki in northern Greece and Lasithi in Crete. While the situation in Halkidiki has come under partial control, the fires in Crete remain uncontained and dangerously active, threatening both lives and property.
Wildfire in Halkidiki: Homes and campgrounds threatened, now in recession
The fire in Vourvourou, Sithonia in Halkidiki ignited on Wednesday afternoon in a dense pine forest near the area of Livari. Fed by northern winds, the flames quickly spread across a 2-kilometre front, threatening residential areas and a nearby campground.
Authorities swiftly issued a 112 emergency alert, urging residents to evacuate toward Nikiti and avoid the advancing fire. The blaze forced the evacuation of the “Rea” campsite and later the settlement of Vourvourou, as a precaution. During the night, even children’s camps had to be relocated, with many children spending the night on the beach for safety.
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‼️ Αν βρίσκεστε στην περιοχή απομακρυνθείτε προς #Νικήτη
‼️ Ακολουθείτε τις οδηγίες των Αρχών
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By Wednesday evening, the fire had entered a phase of partial control, though the risk remained high. On the ground, 160 firefighters, including 7 specialised foot teams, operated alongside 49 vehicles. Aerial efforts included 14 firefighting aircraft and 5 helicopters, conducting water drops while conditions allowed. Volunteers also supported the effort.
Traffic was suspended on the provincial road from Nea Moudania to Sarti, from Ormos Panagias to Vourvourou, to facilitate fire suppression operations.
Wildfire in Crete: Uncontrolled blaze in Lasithi destroys homes and threatens Resorts
Far more severe is the situation in Lasithi, Crete, where a major wildfire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in the Achlia area, rapidly escalating due to strong winds and difficult terrain. The fire spread to Ferma, Agia Fotia, Galini, Koutsounari, and Ierapetra, leading to an urgent 112 alert and mass evacuations.
By late evening, several homes were reported burned, while hotels and resorts were also evacuated. According to emergency services, people on beaches near Makry Gialos were evacuated by boat to safety as smoke and flames advanced rapidly.
The fire remains uncontained, with widespread damage to agricultural land, greenhouses, and residences. Firefighting resources have been heavily reinforced:
- 155 firefighters,
- 8 specialised ground teams,
- 38 vehicles,
- 4 helicopters in operation,
- Additional teams transported by sea from Piraeus (17 firefighters, 5 vehicles) and by air from Elefsina (33 firefighters, 4 ground teams).
The Ierapetra Municipality opened the Indoor Gymnasium as an emergency shelter, where over 400 evacuees, including families and children, spent the night. Others were moved to hotels. The National Emergency Medical Services (EKAB) deployed 8 ambulances, treating six individuals, including three with respiratory issues, two with minor injuries, and one with mobility concerns.
Fire officers on-site described the situation as extremely difficult, with flames “emerging out of nowhere” and homes actively threatened in Ferma. One officer told ERT News, “We are literally extinguishing flames in people’s yards. We have no full picture of the damage yet.”
Critical fire risk in Crete continues
According to the Fire Risk Forecast Map by the Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Crete remains on alert level 4 (orange) for Thursday, indicating a very high risk of wildfire outbreaks. The combination of rugged terrain and strong local winds continues to hinder firefighting efforts and increases the likelihood of flare-ups or new ignitions.
While firefighters in Halkidiki have successfully brought the wildfire in Vourvourou under partial control, maintaining strong presence on-site for any resurgence, the situation in Crete remains critical and evolving. Fires in Lasithi are still burning uncontrollably, having already destroyed homes and farmland, triggered mass evacuations, and stretched emergency resources to their limits. Authorities continue to urge caution, as Crete faces another dangerous and unpredictable day ahead.
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With information from: Proto Thema/Ertnews
