A wildfire near the village of Krya Vrysi, close to Rethymno in Crete, Greece, claimed the lives of two firefighters. The blaze broke out in an area popular with British tourists.
Evacuations in Crete
Residents of southern Rethymno were evacuated, and Mayor Yiannis Tatarakis ordered further evacuations for Krya Vrysi, Melampes, and Saktouria, according to local media Manifesto. A total of 54 firefighters are at the scene, supported by 11 fire engines and four helicopters. Civil Protection forces are also assisting with water vehicles.
Fires Rage in France and Spain
France and Spain are also battling ferocious blazes. In France, roughly 220,000 people have been evacuated, with the city of Bordeaux badly affected. Enormous wildfires encroached on Bordeaux, advancing to within 9.3 miles of the city's outer limits. Lance Attwood, a 58-year-old British restaurant owner in Bordeaux, said: “It’s not really conducive to coming out. The town is full of smoke and ash, so there’s a big drop in business, and people are just walking around town in masks. Our biggest concern is people’s safety and the safety of the emergency services.” Mr Attwood, who has lived in Bordeaux for 25 years, said evacuated friends were focusing on recovering sentimental belongings and finding alternative living arrangements.
In Spain, more than 75,000 people have left their homes, while an additional 30,000 have been instructed to remain indoors. Firefighters admitted the fires were so fast and violent that they could not be tackled head-on.
