Firefighters stand next to a vehicle as a wildfire burns near Ierapetra, on the island of Crete, Greece, Tuesday 2 July 2025;
Credit: Reuters, Stefanos Rapanis
ATHENS (Reuters) - On Wednesday 2 July 2025, Greek firefighters battled a blaze that raged on the popular vacation destination of Crete, burning forest land, threatening homes and prompting the evacuation of residents and tourists from at least four settlements on the island.
At least 155 firefighters, assisted by 38 engines and water trucks, battled the flames in the municipality of Ierapetra at the southeastern coast of the country's largest island, the Greek fire brigade service said.
The blaze, which broke out in the afternoon, was charged by gale force winds that hindered firefighting efforts and rekindled its fronts. More reinforcements were on their way by boat and aircraft from Athens, the fire brigade said.
"It is a very difficult fire and it is still in progress," a fire brigade official told Reuters on condition of anonymity, attributing the difficulty of the operation to the strong winds and the type of terrain.
