Wildfires raging across the Greek islands of Crete and Paros have forced thousands of British tourists and locals to flee, with three firefighters killed. Around 8,000 people were evacuated overnight from Rethymno, Crete, where 80mph winds drove flames through homes and farmland.
Firefighter deaths and ongoing threat
Two firefighters were trapped and killed in Crete: 58-year-old Emmanouil Stratidakis and 25-year-old Pantelis Diamantakis. Both will be buried on Thursday. A third firefighter died after collapsing near Gytheio in the Peloponnese. Greece's prime minister warned the country faces "difficult days" as fires continue, despite slight improvement in Crete.
Fresh blaze on Paros
A new wildfire erupted in low vegetation on Paros on the afternoon of 30 July, following days of earlier blazes. The fire broke out around midday near Kampi and was largely contained by late afternoon, but flared up again after aerial firefighting stopped overnight, prompting evacuation of around 10 villages.
Europe-wide wildfire crisis
Europe is experiencing one of its most devastating wildfire seasons, with Spain and France hardest hit. Since fires began spreading last Wednesday, about 360,000 people have been evacuated across both countries. In southwest France, an area four times the size of Paris has been burned near Bordeaux. Officials in Madrid described the fires as the most severe the region has seen. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said: "The climate emergency is worsening year after year, and we are required to be united to fight against fire, as well as in prevention and reconstruction."
