Major wildfires continue to burn on the Greek island of Crete, leading to thousands of people being evacuated and causing widespread damage to homes and businesses as the fire continues to be out of control and spreading rapidly.

The fire is in rugged forested terrain and according to Greece’s fire service, the fire has now split into three active fronts, in Achlia, Ferma and Skinokapsala. The continuing weather conditions are adding to the spread of the fires, with gale-force winds of up to 9 Beaufort fanning the flames and sending embers far from the fire fronts.

Hundreds of firefighters and forest commando teams have been thrown into the battle against the fire, with the assistance of 4 helicopters and 2 fireplanes, along with municipal and private water tankers, as well as construction machinery.

Thick smoke has engulfed the wider area, reducing visibility to near zero in places.

Approximately 5,000 residents and visitors to the areas, such as in Agia Fotia, have been evacuated following the two mobile emergency messages sent via 112. Visitors to the area were transferred and accommodated in hotels in other areas, while a portion of residents and visitors spent the night in the indoor gymnasium of Ierapetra, which was opened for those displaced.

Some individuals who were cut off by road have been evacuated by boat from local beaches.

Friday, July 4 – Officials have confirmed that the wildfire on the south of the island has been extinguished and there are no active fronts. However, firefighters continue to dampen down and deal with small flare-ups.