Key facts
- Three Greek firefighters died battling wildfires on Crete and the mainland.
- Gale-force winds are fueling new blazes across Greece.
- Around 2,000 tourists are being evacuated from Agia Galini.
- Several settlements in southern Rethymno have been evacuated.
- The Rethymno Arson Crime Investigation Unit is investigating the cause of the fire.
Three Greek firefighters died while battling wildfires in Greece on Wednesday as gale-force winds fuelled several new blazes across the country. The fire service stated that the firefighters 'fell heroically in the line of duty, safeguarding the lives and property of citizens as well as the natural environment.'
Around 2,000 tourists are being evacuated from Agia Galini as wildfires force further evacuations across southern Rethymno. A total of 156 firefighters, supported by ground teams, fire engines, helicopters, and aircraft, are involved in extinguishing the blaze. Strong winds, with gusts reaching force 7 on the Beaufort scale, have contributed to the fire's rapid spread.
Earlier, settlements including Krya Vrysi, Saktouria, Melampes, Agios Georgios, Agios Pavlos, and Triopetra were evacuated. The coastguard, with assistance from private vessels, rescued 29 people from the sea off Agios Pavlos. The deputy mayor for culture of the Municipality of Agios Vasileios described the situation as 'out of control.' The Rethymno Arson Crime Investigation Unit is investigating the cause of the fire.