The Fires in Greece Are Spreading: Villages in Crete Have Been Evacuated

The fire in Europe is not stopping. After the prolonged struggle with the flames in Spain and France, in the last three days Greece has also suffered from huge fires.

The latest incident is in the Rethymnon district of central Crete. Large fires have been raging in the southern part of the district since last night. Several villages, including Gafira and Lapkoia, were evacuated, with residents being asked to move to other villages that are not in the direction of the fire's spread.

Residents and tourists were also asked to avoid Preveli Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Crete, to which the fire is also threatening to spread.

As of this time, there is no fear of the fire spreading northward and there is no danger that it will reach the central city in the province, Rethymno, which is currently hosting crowds of tourists at the height of the summer season.

Rethymno, Crete. Photo: Shutterstock

Meanwhile, the fire services in Greece reported in the past 24 hours that partial control has been achieved over the fires on the island of Paros, but in recent hours it has become apparent that the fire has resumed and an evacuation notice has been issued for additional villages on the island.

Two Greek firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty on July 29 in Crete were honored on Thursday, July 30, as colleagues, officials, and communities across the country paid tribute to their service and sacrifice.

Lieutenant General Theodoros Vagias, Chief of the Hellenic Fire Service, issued a message of condolence ahead of their funeral, describing the deaths as an unexpected tragedy and praising both men for their dedication to protecting lives, property, and Greece's natural environment.

"Today we extend our last farewell to our late colleagues," Vagias said. "They served with zeal and showed greatness of soul during their course in the Corps. Their primary concern was the preservation of the life and goods of the citizens, as well as the natural environment."

As a mark of respect, flags at all Fire Service facilities across Greece were ordered to fly at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on the day of their burial.