Fires: Forest fire on Crete - hotels and villages evacuated

A forest fire broke out near the tourist town of Ierapetra in the southeast of the popular holiday island of Crete . Several hotels, guesthouses, and three villages had to be evacuated. "We have accommodated around 1,500 people in other hotels and a sports hall," said Giorgos Tsambakis, the civil protection officer for the region of Crete, on Greek radio (ERTnews). Due to strong winds, the flames spread rapidly since late Wednesday afternoon. The cause of the fire was initially unclear.

With first light, firefighting aircraft and helicopters were deployed to bring the fire under control. The fire department was reinforced with additional personnel from other regions of Greece, authorities said. "We need many firefighting aircraft to bring the fire, which has already reached massive proportions, under control," Ierapetra Deputy Mayor Georgios Chatzakis told Greek media.

The fire danger remains enormous in numerous regions of Greece, according to the Civil Service. Winds, combined with dry conditions, could fan even the smallest fire into a major blaze, warns the fire service.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:250703-930-750421/1