US EditionThousands evacuate as wildfire burns in Crete
IERAPETRA AREA, CRETE, GREECE, JUL 4 – Strong winds and a heatwave fueled the wildfire that forced evacuation of 1,500 residents and tourists, with 230 firefighters and 10 aircraft deployed to contain the blaze.
- A large wildfire ignited on July 7, 2025, near the municipality of Ierapetra in eastern Crete, quickly spreading across challenging forested landscape.
- The fire was driven by gale-force winds reaching Beaufort scale eight amid an ongoing heatwave affecting Greece, Italy, Spain, France, and other European countries.
- Authorities have evacuated approximately 1,500 people, including those staying in hotels and rental accommodations, from several areas such as Ferma and Agia Fotia, with many relocated to Ierapetra where around 200 individuals are being housed indoors.
- Over 150 firefighters with 38 engines, specialized teams, tractors, and helicopters fought the fire, while emergency alerts warned of hazardous air quality and falling ash; at least six heat-related deaths were reported across Europe during this heatwave.
- The wildfire highlighted challenges linked to climate change, with rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves increasing wildfire risks and stressing emergency services across Southern Europe.
240 Articles
240 Articles
Winds of more than 85 km/h and high temperatures complicate the extinction tasks in Smyrna; while 5000 tourists were forced to leave the island of Crete by forest fire out of control
New wildfire near Athens, Crete blaze 'retreating': firefighters
A wildfire on the island of Crete that forced the evacuation of 5,000 tourists and locals is "retreating," Greek firefighters told AFP on Friday, but a new blaze fanned by strong winds is spreading east of the capital, Athens.
Over the past 10 days, Turkey has been facing a series of fire departures in several parts of the country. On Monday, 50,000 people were evacuated, including to Izmir and Hatay, in the south-east. Every summer, Turkey is faced with fires, favored by drought, but this year, the situation is particularly alarming. In Izmir, two people have died. According to the authorities, some homes are under control, but new fires continue to burst. Several fi…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 36% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
