Raging wildfires have taken hold across several Greek islands, forcing villages to be evacuated as firefighters struggle to contain the flames. Wildfires in the Rethymno area of southern Crete are burning "out of control on all fronts," with firefighting aircraft unable to be deployed due to strong winds and thousands of people evacuated, including tourists. Urgent evacuation orders have also been issued for parts of Paros and Andros.
Fatalities and Firefighter Deaths
Three firefighters have died in Greece. Two became trapped between two fire fronts in Rethymno, Crete, on Wednesday. A third firefighter was found unconscious near the southern Peloponnese port town of Gytheio and later pronounced dead. The fire service stated they "fell heroically in the line of duty, safeguarding the lives and property of citizens as well as the natural environment."
Two firefighters, aged 25 and 58, died in the Krya Vrysi blaze. The younger, Padelis Diamadakis, had just started as a seasonal firefighter. A 27-year-old died in Gytheio. Two firefighters narrowly escaped with minor burns after two fire engines were engulfed in flames in Sitia, Lasithi, on Crete.
Evacuations and Fire Spread
Around 8,000 people have been evacuated from parts of Rethymno. A new wildfire broke out in Paleopolis on Andros, with residents told to evacuate to Batsi. The Cyclades Arson Crime Investigation Team is investigating. On Lesvos, active fire fronts remain in Plomari, with 52 firefighters and volunteer hikers working to extinguish them, though strong winds pose a risk of flare-ups.
A "very high wildfire risk" (Category 4 out of 5) is forecast for large parts of Greece, including Attica, Peloponnese, Central Greece, North Aegean, South Aegean (Cycladic islands), Crete, Western Greece, and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
France: Gironde Blaze and Arrests
In France, the huge fire in Gironde has ravaged 42,000 hectares and remains "stable" after a calm night. Some rain fell near Bordeaux, allowing some of the 220,000 displaced residents to return home. The main blaze began near Saumos, about 25 miles west of Bordeaux. Regional firefighting chief Marc Vermeulen said teams need several more days to douse remaining flames.
Two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson near Bordeaux. Investigators believe contractors working near a high-voltage line ignited the blaze with a brush-cutting machine. More than 2,200 firefighters and over 20 aircraft are mobilised in southern France. Gironde prefect Sophie Brocas expressed optimism: "If the night goes well, we can reasonably be more optimistic for tomorrow and for the days to come."
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said Gironde is France's biggest wildfire battle, with the advance of major fires in Landes and Var halted. A fire reignited in the Var region, with 200 firefighters, six helicopters, and three Canadairs deployed.
Spain and Portugal Wildfires
In Spain, a level two extreme warning was issued for wildfires in Fermoselle, Zamora, with evacuations including a nursing home. Seven towns near Bermillo de Sayago were evacuated. A fire also broke out in the Toledo municipality of Villamuelas, with 30 forest firefighters and aircraft deployed. A community of Augustinian nuns evacuated their monastery in Sotillo de la Adrada.
In Portugal, wildfires raged in the Mirandela municipality, with a man watching flames approach the village of Fradizela.
Turkey and Other Regions
In Turkey, wildfires burn in Antalya and Mugla province, including near the resort of Bodrum. Strong winds caused rapid spread. Hundreds of firefighters and more than 20 planes and helicopters are battling flames in Mugla.
Europe's emergency response chief Maria Zuber warned: "Italy will face risk at the beginning of August, and we will need to see what will happen with the Iberian Peninsula, because if (it is) there as well, we will have all Europe on fire."
UK and International Response
In the UK, a large heathland fire at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk led to a major incident and property evacuations. A grassland fire in East London burned four hectares. The UK government committed to working with France on climate resilience, with Foreign Secretary Edward Miliband and Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reaffirming shared determination to address the threat.
Meanwhile, George and Amal Clooney evacuated their home in Brignoles, southeast France, writing a letter to the mayor expressing hope for their home's safety and commitment to the community.
