Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Greek Wildfires Claim Three Firefighters, Evacuations Continue in Crete
Wildfires on the Greek island of Crete and the mainland were so strong that they killed three firefighters.
The fires were driven by very hot weather and strong winds that made it hard for planes to help.
Many people, including tourists, had to leave their homes by boat and car.
More than 200 firefighters and many trucks and planes tried to put out the fires.
The European emergency centre warned that Greece and Italy might face more dangerous fires soon.
Three Greek firefighters died battling wildfires on Crete and the mainland.
More than 200 firefighters and aircraft fought two blazes on Crete.
High winds prevented aircraft operations and worsened fire spread.
Hundreds of residents and tourists were evacuated from Krya Vrysi and nearby villages.
EU emergency centre warned of heightened wildfire risk for Greece and Italy.
- Who
- Greek firefighters and civil protection officials
- What
- Wildfires on Crete and mainland Greece caused deaths and evacuations
- When
- Wednesday and Thursday, July 30, 2024
- Where
- Crete island, Krya Vrysi, Peloponnese, mainland Greece
- Why
- High winds and heatwave conditions worsened fire spread
- Deaths
- 3
- Evacuated
- Hundreds of residents and tourists
- Firefighters deployed
- >200
- Location
- Crete, Greece
- Date
- July 30, 2024