Overview

• The main wildfire on Crete has been largely contained after days of fierce firefighting but smouldering hotspots persist under a state of emergency.
• Authorities evacuated over 5,000 tourists and residents from villages around Ierapetra and Agia Fotia, with several people hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
• More than 230 firefighters supported by water-dropping aircraft, helicopters and coast guard vessels battled flames fanned by gale-force winds up to Beaufort eight.
• A new wind-driven wildfire near Koropi prompted mobile alerts and fresh evacuations as flames threatened homes and olive groves.
• The successive blazes highlight escalating wildfire risks in Greece as soaring summer temperatures and strong winds strain firefighting resources.