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Greece Wildfire: Over 5000 People Evacuated As Massive Wildfire Erupts In Crete

A massive wildfire has broken out in Crete, Greece, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people, including tourists. The blaze, fuelled by gale-force winds, is rapidly spreading through forests, olive groves, tourist spots and residential areas. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors.

by Ashmeet Guliani
Greece Wildfire: Over 5000 People Evacuated As Massive Wildfire Erupts In Crete

A major wildfire has broken out on Crete island, Greece, forcing the evacuation of over 5000 people. The fire reportedly started on Wednesday afternoon and is now spreading rapidly across residential areas, hotels, forests, and mountain regions. Read on to know more.

Greece Reeling Under A Blazing Wildfire


A major fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in eastern Crete, a popular tourist spot in Greece. It has led to the evacuation of over 5000 people and caused widespread damage to forests and other establishments, as per a report by the BBC. The devastating wildfire is burning large swathes of forest and olive groves. @Earth42morrow also shared this news on their X account yesterday. 

At least 230 firefighters, 46 engines, and helicopters were deployed to manage the situation when the fire broke out on the southeastern coast of Greece’s largest island. Gale-force winds are stoking the flames, causing further damage to homes and hotels. However, no injuries have been reported so far.

Also Read: Turkey: 50,000+ Evacuated As Wildfires Ravage Izmir Province; 1000+ Firefighters Battle The Blaze

Mass Evacuations And Widespread Damage

Authorities have ordered the evacuation of hotels, rental rooms, and homes in the Ferma municipality. Around 5,000 people have been evacuated, most of them foreign tourists staying in local hotels. Many of them are now being sheltered in a sports hall in Ierapetra, as per the BBC. The damage is said to be extensive. Many homes, greenhouses, villas, hotels, and businesses have reportedly been destroyed in both coastal and inland areas. Several regions are also facing power outages.

The main road near Agia Fotia, a settlement near Crete, has been closed by the police. Moreover, residents are being urged to avoid non-essential travel due to hazardous air quality, extreme heat, and falling ash. All hospitals in Crete have been placed on alert by the authorities. Wildfires have recently claimed the lives of a man and a forest worker in western Turkey, and casualties have also been reported in France.

Also Read:Tourism In Southern Europe Sees 76% Drop Since 2019 Due To Record Heatwaves And Wildfires

Europe experiences wildfires every year, but their increasing frequency and intensity are being linked to heat waves caused by human-driven climate change. Rising heat and drought are now setting the stage for more destructive wildfires.

Cover Image Courtesy: @Earth42morrow/x

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First Published: July 04, 2025 12:18 PM