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Crete Wildfire Splits Into Three Fronts, Prompting 1,500 Evacuations

Reinforcements from Athens have joined firefighting crews battling the blaze by air, land in treacherous conditions whipped by coastal winds.

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Overview

  • The wildfire that began in Ierapetra has expanded into three active fronts around Ferma, Achlia and Schinokapsala.
  • Authorities have relocated about 1,500 residents and tourists from Agia Fotia, Galini and Koutsounari to hotels and emergency shelters.
  • Ground teams and air tankers, bolstered by Athens reinforcements, continue containment efforts despite high winds and rugged terrain.
  • Emergency medical services have deployed eight ambulances, treating three people for respiratory distress, two for minor injuries and one for mobility issues at Ierapetra Hospital.
  • Police have closed the main road near Agia Fotia and warned against nonessential travel as the settlement faces power outages and property losses.