Firefighting forces in Ierapetra continue to battle the aftermath of a large wildfire that tore through rural and forested areas over the past two days, leaving a trail of destruction. As of Friday morning, although no active fire fronts posed immediate concern, authorities remain on high alert due to the persistent risk of flare-ups.
A man tries to extinguish a wildfire at the village of Agia Fotini near Ierapetra, on the island of Crete, Greece, July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Alexandros Avramidis
The wildfire, which erupted on Wednesday afternoon in the Ahlia region, was fueled by strong winds, spreading rapidly and threatening nearby settlements, including the area around Ferma. The scale and speed of the fire’s advance prompted emergency evacuations ordered via Greece’s civil protection alert system.
Firefighters try to tackle a wildfire burning near Ierapetra, on the island of Crete, Greece, July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Stefanos Rapanis
Over 250 firefighters, assisted by 50 fire trucks and 10 helicopters, initially responded to the blaze, joined by volunteers and private water tankers from across Crete. The operation now involves 230 firefighters, 12 ground teams, 48 vehicles, and three helicopters.
Homes, Farmland, and Infrastructure Suffer Heavy Losses
Locals looks at rising smoke from a wildfire burning near the village of Agia Fotini near Ierapetra, on the island of Crete, Greece, July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Alexandros Avramidis
Although the full extent of the destruction is still being assessed, it is clear that the wildfire has caused significant damage. Thousands of acres of farmland and forest have burned, including greenhouses, livestock shelters, and rural residences. Farm animals have perished, while infrastructure—such as water supply networks—has been severely impacted.
Several residents have yet to return to their homes, and hotels that were evacuated as a precaution remain closed.
Arson Investigation Underway
An arson investigation team arrived in Crete on Thursday to determine the cause of the fire. Investigators are gathering witness statements from firefighters and locals. The blaze’s swift spread and multiple fronts have raised suspicions, and the cause remains under investigation.
People watch a firefighting helicopter flying near a wildfire burning near Ierapetra, on the island of Crete, Greece, July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Stefanos Rapanis
State of Emergency Declared
In response to the disaster, the Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection has declared a state of emergency for several parts of the municipality of Ierapetra. Specifically, this includes:
- The Municipal Unit of Makry Gialos
- The Municipal Communities of Ierapetra and Agios Ioannis
The emergency status will remain in effect for three months, until October 2, and is intended to support the response to the crisis and aid recovery efforts.
