2 firefighters die in a wildfire on the southern Greek island of Crete
Strong winds hampered crews as about 125 firefighters and aircraft battled the blaze, the fire department said.
- Two firefighters died on Wednesday in the Rethymno region of Crete after becoming trapped while battling a rapidly spreading wildfire, the Greek Fire Service said. The circumstances of their deaths were not immediately clear.
- About 125 firefighters were tackling the blaze, which broke out Wednesday afternoon in the region. Strong winds fanned the fire, hampering containment efforts as the flames spread quickly near the village of Krya Vrisi.
- Four helicopters and four water-dropping planes were deployed to combat the flames across the 15 km fire front. These aircraft provided critical aerial support alongside ground crews battling the blaze.
- The Greek Fire Service issued a statement honoring the firefighters, saying they "fell heroically in the line of duty to protect the lives and property of citizens and the natural environment." The deaths underscore risks faced by crews.
- Across Europe, extreme heat and widespread dryness have intensified wildfires this year. The European Union's Copernicus climate service reports the continent is warming at more than twice the global average, threatening further disasters.
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Two firefighters have died while battling a forest fire on the Greek island of Crete, the local fire department said. The blaze on the island is not yet under control, with around 150 firefighters battling it. Fires are also raging elsewhere in Greece, with a firefighter also dying today while battling one in the Peloponnese.
In Crete there is a devastating forest fire. Strong wind worsens the situation for the forces, two of which are killed. Thousands of inhabitants and tourists must get to safety.
Three Greek firefighters died this Wednesday while fighting forest fires under strong winds on the island of Crete and on the continent, as the flames advanced south of Europe after days of devastating fires in Spain and France. Also read: 'There is nothing left': forest fire survivors in France return to destroyed houses Extreme heat evaporates water resources affecting maritime transport, agriculture and industries in Europe Two firefighters w…
Residents of three villages in Crete had to be evacuated.
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