Three firefighters have died as multiple wildfires swept across Greece, with the most destructive blaze tearing through southern Crete, forcing the evacuation of villages and thousands of tourists while authorities warned that extreme fire danger would continue.
Two volunteer firefighters were killed while battling a fast-moving wildfire near Krya Vrysi in the Rethymno regional unit of Crete after becoming trapped inside their vehicle by advancing flames. The Hellenic Fire Service described the deaths as a devastating loss, saying the firefighters “fell heroically in the line of duty” while protecting lives, property, and the natural environment.
A third firefighter died while responding to a separate wildfire near Gytheio in the Peloponnese. The Fire Service said he was found unconscious outside the fire’s perimeter and later pronounced dead in hospital. The cause of his death has not yet been officially determined.
Thousands Evacuated in Southern Crete
The wildfire in Rethymno spread rapidly through forested terrain, driven by strong winds reaching 7 Beaufort, prompting emergency evacuation orders for at least eight communities, including Agia Galini, Agios Pavlos, Agios Georgios, Saktouria, Melabes, Krya Vrysi, Orni, and Triopetra.
Authorities carried out a large-scale evacuation of approximately 2,000 tourists from Agia Galini, one of southern Crete’s most popular seaside destinations. Visitors were transferred safely to hotels in Rethymno and other secure locations without reports of panic.
Hundreds more evacuees were accommodated at an indoor sports arena in Moires, where local authorities, the Greek Red Cross, police, and municipal staff provided mattresses, food, water, and other essential supplies. Officials also prepared additional shelter at nearby schools should more accommodation become necessary.
Meanwhile, the Hellenic Coast Guard launched a rescue operation to evacuate people trapped near Agios Pavlos by sea. Dozens were safely removed using Coast Guard patrol boats, a rescue vessel, and privately owned boats assisting the operation.
The Greek Coast Guard is rescuing people trapped by rapidly spreading wildfires on the island of Crete.
Two firefighters were killed battling the blaze. A third died on the mainland. pic.twitter.com/4Mo7dyfIX6
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 30, 2026
Massive Firefighting Response
Nearly 190 firefighters, supported by 40 fire engines, specialized ground crews, eight firefighting aircraft, and helicopters, continued battling the Rethymno blaze.
Additional wildfires were burning elsewhere on Crete, including near Moroni in the Heraklion regional unit and Agia Triada in the Sitia region, while another significant wildfire prompted the precautionary evacuation of Plomari on the island of Lesvos.
🔥An active #wildfire is burning near the town of Plomari on the Greek island of #Lesbos, with 50 firefighters, 13 fire engines & 6 aircraft deployed to fight the blaze. pic.twitter.com/P9QiHGKB0u
🚒Three firefighters died battling forest blazes in #Greece as several other fires…— ⚡️🌎 World News 🌐⚡️ (@ferozwala) July 29, 2026
According to the Fire Service, 37 wildfires broke out across Greece within a 24-hour period, fueled by weeks of hot, dry weather and strong winds.
Authorities warned that Thursday would bring another day of very high to extreme wildfire risk for Crete, the Attica region surrounding Athens, Evia, the eastern Peloponnese, the Cyclades, and several eastern Aegean islands, including Lesvos, Chios, Samos, and Ikaria.
Greece experiences destructive wildfires every summer, but experts warn that increasingly frequent heatwaves, prolonged drought, and stronger winds are making fire seasons more intense and more dangerous.
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