Deadly wildfires have swept through Greek islands, forcing thousands of holidaymakers and residents to evacuate. Three firefighters died battling the blazes in Crete and near the Peloponnese coast.
Evacuations and Destruction in Crete
Approximately 8,000 people were evacuated overnight in Rethymno, a coastal city on Crete, where winds reached nearly 80 mph. The inferno has destroyed numerous properties and large areas of farmland, causing substantial damage to communities.
Two firefighters became trapped by the flames and died. Greek Fire Service Chief Theodoros Vagias identified them as 58-year-old Emmanouil Stratidakis and 25-year-old Pantelis Diamantakis, both to be laid to rest on Thursday. A third firefighter was found unconscious near the southern Peloponnese town of Gytheio and also died.
Paros Wildfire Rekindles
A fresh wildfire ignited on the island of Paros on July 30 in a sparsely vegetated area, following days of multiple fires on the popular tourist destination. The blaze started around midday in the Kampi area and was largely suppressed by late afternoon, but flames reignited after aerial firefighting stopped for the night. About 10 villages on Paros have been evacuated.
Broader European Crisis
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned of "difficult days" ahead despite improving conditions in Crete. The wildfires are part of one of Europe's most catastrophic wildfire seasons, severely affecting Spain and France. Since the fires began spreading last Wednesday, roughly 360,000 people have fled their homes in France and Spain.
Southwest France has endured the worst blazes, with an area four times the size of Paris scorched near Bordeaux. Spanish 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."
