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Greece is mourning the deaths of three firefighters following separate wildfire-related tragedies, with funerals taking place Thursday for two men who lost their lives while battling a major fire in Crete and tributes continuing for a young fire officer found dead near a blaze in southern Greece.

Young Fire Officer Found Dead Near Gythio Wildfire

The death of 27-year-old firefighter Konstantinos Laimodetis has deeply affected his hometown of Agrinio in western Greece after he was found dead outside the perimeter of a wildfire that broke out Wednesday near Gythio in the Peloponnese.

Laimodetis served as deputy commander of the Gythio Fire Department. The only child of his family, he was the son of a teacher from the Agrinio district of Agios Konstantinos.

He entered Greece’s Firefighters Academy in 2017, graduated with distinction, and later attended the Fire Officers Academy. After serving for two years in Athens, he was assigned to the Gythio Fire Department in June 2025, where he held the position of deputy commander.

A firefighter works to extinguish a wildfire burning next to the village of Krya Vrysi on the island of Crete, Greece, July 29, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

According to the Fire Service, he was transported by ambulance to Sparta General Hospital, where his death was confirmed.

Reports indicate that the 27-year-old was at the scene but was not actively involved in firefighting operations at the time. A forensic examination is expected to determine the cause of death.

Funerals Held for Two Firefighters Killed in Crete

Communities in the regional unit of Rethymno on the island of Crete are also in mourning following the deaths of two firefighters who were killed Wednesday while responding to a large wildfire in the Krya Vrysi area in the southern part of the region.

Twenty-five-year-old Pantelis Diamantakis and 58-year-old Manolis Stratidakis were traveling in a Fire Service vehicle when they became trapped by the advancing fire. According to reports, the pair lost their bearings in dense smoke before being surrounded by flames.

Firefighting vehicles sit parked next to a damaged firefighting car as a wildfire burns next to the village of Krya Vrysi on the island of Crete, Greece, July 29, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

The two firefighters were later found dead outside their vehicle by a fellow firefighter. According to local reports, no emergency assistance was requested and no telephone communication was made before the tragedy.

Diamantakis’ funeral is being held at noon Thursday at the Church of Saint Nektarios in Episkopi, Fourfouras, while Stratidakis will be laid to rest later in the day at the Church of the Annunciation in Gerakari.

Communities Pay Tribute

Diamantakis had recently completed his university studies in Thessaloniki and had begun working as a seasonal firefighter. Residents of Fourfouras describe him as a kind young man who was widely respected. He came from a large family, and his father is a local priest.

Stratidakis, who was from Gerakari, was remembered by local residents as a dedicated community figure. He had previously served as president of the village’s cultural association and was recognized for his volunteer work and longstanding contribution to the local community.