The wildfire on Crete erupted in mid-July, forcing the evacuation of over 5,000 people, mostly tourists, from the area of Ierapetra, Lasithi. Yes, you read that right — five thousand people! The fire engulfed areas between the villages of Ferma, Ahlia, and Agia Fotia, with strong winds only fanning the flames, creating a hellish situation for firefighters and locals alike.
Firefighting services deployed over 200 firefighters, 46 vehicles, 13 foot squads, and even 10 helicopters, supported by drones and water tankers. Despite all efforts, extinguishing the fire was hampered by thick smoke and difficult terrain. Main roads to the affected areas were closed, and residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
Although the Greek National Tourism Organization claims all tourists in Ierapetra are safe and the fire is under control, reality is far from idyllic. Tourists were proactively relocated to safer areas such as Hersonissos, Elounda, and Malia, with some even spending the night in a closed sports center converted into a temporary shelter.
The local community showed incredible solidarity — residents opened their homes to affected tourists, but the question remains how long this situation can be kept under control. Three people have already been hospitalized with respiratory issues, two suffered minor injuries, and one has mobility difficulties.
Lasithi Governor Janis Andrulakis warns that due to difficult terrain and lack of aerial support overnight, it is still impossible to assess the full extent of the damage. Firefighters are fighting like lions, but nature and the wind are not on their side.
This situation casts a shadow over Greece’s tourist season, already under pressure from global challenges. Is everything really under control, or are we just pretending? While tourists are relocated and local heroes do their best, the question remains — how prepared is Greece for such disasters, and what awaits us if the fires continue?
If you ever planned a holiday on Crete, maybe it’s time to think twice. What do you think about this fiery drama? Is the panic justified, or are we exaggerating? Drop a comment, let’s see who’s for and who’s against this fire and chaos!
