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Yomiuri Shimbun
4 hours ago
- Climate
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Greece Battles Wildfire on Crete for a Third Day as Temperatures Rise
ATHENS, July 4 (Reuters) – Gale force wind gusts complicated efforts on Friday to contain wildfires on Crete that have razed forests and olive groves and forced thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate. Around 130 firefighters, 48 vehicles and six helicopters were deployed on the third day of the effort, with the wind and dry conditions raising the risk that blazes might restart in areas of the island where they had already been contained. In Greece's capital Athens, about 800 people were evacuated from the suburb of Koropi where more than 120 firefighters battled a blaze supported by eight airplanes and eight helicopters, a fire brigade spokesperson said. The fires in Crete and in Athens come as much of Europe swelters in an early summer heatwave, which officials have linked to at least eight deaths on the continent. The blazes in Crete, which broke out in a village about 16 km (10 miles) east of Ierapetra on Wednesday, have consumed swathes of agricultural land in the southeastern corner of the island, leaving dead animals and scorched farmhouses. Olive farmer Giorgos Poulis was sorting out destroyed farming equipment beside his burned-out truck. 'The damage is incalculable in every way, from water drilling equipment, pipes, tires, cars, the cement mixer,' he said, gesturing around him. George Tzarakis, head of Hoteliers of Ierapetra and southeastern Crete, told Reuters most of the 3,500 tourists who had been evacuated were returning to their hotels. Tourism is a key earner in Crete, the largest island in Greece, and local hoteliers were concerned about future bookings as the fire hit at the start of the peak summer holiday season. Temperatures in Greece were forecast to reach up to 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) on Friday, the Greek weather service said. In another Athens suburb, Pikermi, some 148 firefighters battled a fire that broke out on Thursday, threatening many homes, cutting power and prompting authorities to move more than 300 people to safety. The fire was contained but not extinguished, the fire brigade official said. In Italy, the health ministry put 20 of the 27 cities it monitors for heatwaves on red alert on Friday. RAI public broadcaster said temperatures would go as high as 38 C in Florence and 37 C in Rome, Bologna and Perugia. Spain's Health Ministry estimates that 341 deaths have been attributable to heat-related illnesses since the beginning of June, as the country grapples with soaring temperatures. With the heat comes a higher risk of wildfires. Greece and other Mediterranean countries are in an area dubbed 'a wildfire hotspot' by scientists – with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate, prompting calls for a new approach. 'With multiple heatwaves and fire risks expected through September, there is an urgent need to shift from reactive response to proactive preparedness,' the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said this week.
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Greece battles wildfire on Crete for a third day as temperatures rise
A volunteer firefighter uses a hose to cool a burnt house during a wildfire in the town of Koropi, near Athens, Greece, July 4, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS Gale force wind gusts complicated efforts on Friday to contain wildfires on Crete that have razed forests and olive groves and forced thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate. Around 130 firefighters, 48 vehicles and six helicopters were deployed on the third day of the effort, with the wind and dry conditions raising the risk that blazes might restart in areas of the island where they had already been contained. In Greece's capital Athens, about 800 people were evacuated from the suburb of Koropi where more than 120 firefighters battled a blaze supported by eight airplanes and eight helicopters, a fire brigade spokesperson said. The fires in Crete and in Athens come as much of Europe swelters in an early summer heatwave, which officials have linked to at least eight deaths on the continent. The blazes in Crete, which broke out in a village about 16km (10 miles) east of Ierapetra on Wednesday, have consumed swathes of agricultural land in the southeastern corner of the island, leaving dead animals and scorched farmhouses. Olive farmer Giorgos Poulis was sorting out destroyed farming equipment beside his burned-out truck. "The damage is incalculable in every way, from water drilling equipment, pipes, tires, cars, the cement mixer," he said, gesturing around him. George Tzarakis, head of Hoteliers of Ierapetra and southeastern Crete, told Reuters most of the 3,500 tourists who had been evacuated were returning to their hotels. Tourism is a key earner in Crete, the largest island in Greece, and local hoteliers were concerned about future bookings as the fire hit at the start of the peak summer holiday season. Temperatures in Greece were forecast to reach up to 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) on Friday, the Greek weather service said. In another Athens suburb, Pikermi, some 148 firefighters battled a fire that broke out on Thursday, threatening many homes, cutting power and prompting authorities to move more than 300 people to safety. The fire was contained but not extinguished, the fire brigade official said. In Italy, the health ministry put 20 of the 27 cities it monitors for heatwaves on red alert on Friday.
Gulf Today
10 hours ago
- Climate
- Gulf Today
Greece battles wildfire for a third day as temperatures rise
Gale force wind gusts complicated efforts on Friday to contain wildfires on Crete that have razed forests and olive groves and forced thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate. Around 130 firefighters, 48 vehicles and six helicopters were deployed on the third day of the effort, with the wind and dry conditions raising the risk that blazes might restart in areas of the island where they had already been contained. In Greece's capital Athens, about 800 people were evacuated from the suburb of Koropi where more than 120 firefighters battled a blaze supported by eight airplanes and eight helicopters, a fire brigade spokesperson said. Local residents spray water to extinguish a fire in a house during a wildfire that broke up in Koropi. AFP The fires in Crete and in Athens come as much of Europe swelters in an early summer heatwave, which officials have linked to at least eight deaths on the continent. The blazes in Crete, which broke out in a village about 16km east of Ierapetra on Wednesday, have consumed swathes of agricultural land in the southeastern corner of the island, leaving dead animals and scorched farmhouses. Olive farmer Giorgos Poulis was sorting out destroyed farming equipment beside his burned-out truck. "The damage is incalculable in every way, from water drilling equipment, pipes, tires, cars, the cement mixer," he said, gesturing around him. A man attempts to extinguish a wildfire in the Cesme district of Izmir, Turkey. AFP George Tzarakis, head of Hoteliers of Ierapetra and southeastern Crete, told Reuters most of the 3,500 tourists who had been evacuated were returning to their hotels. Tourism is a key earner in Crete, the largest island in Greece, and local hoteliers were concerned about future bookings as the fire hit at the start of the peak summer holiday season. Temperatures in Greece were forecast to reach up to 38˚C on Friday, the Greek weather service said. Passengers rest on the floor in the hall of the Main Railway Station, as a major power outage caused train delays, in Prague. Reuters In another Athens suburb, Pikermi, some 148 firefighters battled a fire that broke out on Thursday, threatening many homes, cutting power and prompting authorities to move more than 300 people to safety. The fire was contained but not extinguished, the fire brigade official said. In Italy, the health ministry put 20 of the 27 cities it monitors for heatwaves on red alert on Friday. RAI public broadcaster said temperatures would go as high as 38 C in Florence and 37 C in Rome, Bologna and Perugia. 341 DEATHS DUE TO HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES Spain's Health Ministry estimates that 341 deaths have been attributable to heat-related illnesses since the beginning of June, as the country grapples with soaring temperatures. With the heat comes a higher risk of wildfires. Greece and other Mediterranean countries are in an area dubbed "a wildfire hotspot" by scientists - with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate, prompting calls for a new approach. "With multiple heatwaves and fire risks expected through September, there is an urgent need to shift from reactive response to proactive preparedness," the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said this week. Reuters
Reuters
15 hours ago
- Climate
- Reuters
Greece battles wildfire on Crete for a third day as temperatures rise
ATHENS, July 4 (Reuters) - Gale force wind gusts complicated efforts on Friday to contain wildfires on Crete that have razed forests and olive groves and forced thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate. Around 130 firefighters, 48 vehicles and six helicopters were deployed on the third day of the effort, with the wind and dry conditions raising the risk that blazes might restart in areas of the island where they had already been contained. In Greece's capital Athens, about 800 people were evacuated from the suburb of Koropi where more than 120 firefighters battled a blaze supported by eight airplanes and eight helicopters, a fire brigade spokesperson said. The fires in Crete and in Athens come as much of Europe swelters in an early summer heatwave, which officials have linked to at least eight deaths on the continent. The blazes in Crete, which broke out in a village about 16 km (10 miles) east of Ierapetra on Wednesday, have consumed swathes of agricultural land in the southeastern corner of the island, leaving dead animals and scorched farmhouses. Olive farmer Giorgos Poulis was sorting out destroyed farming equipment beside his burned-out truck. "The damage is incalculable in every way, from water drilling equipment, pipes, tires, cars, the cement mixer," he said, gesturing around him. George Tzarakis, head of Hoteliers of Ierapetra and southeastern Crete, told Reuters most of the 3,500 tourists who had been evacuated were returning to their hotels. Tourism is a key earner in Crete, the largest island in Greece, and local hoteliers were concerned about future bookings as the fire hit at the start of the peak summer holiday season. Temperatures in Greece were forecast to reach up to 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) on Friday, the Greek weather service said. In another Athens suburb, Pikermi, some 148 firefighters battled a fire that broke out on Thursday, threatening many homes, cutting power and prompting authorities to move more than 300 people to safety. The fire was contained but not extinguished, the fire brigade official said. In Italy, the health ministry put 20 of the 27 cities it monitors for heatwaves on red alert on Friday. RAI public broadcaster said temperatures would go as high as 38 C in Florence and 37 C in Rome, Bologna and Perugia. Spain's Health Ministry estimates that 341 deaths have been attributable to heat-related illnesses since the beginning of June, as the country grapples with soaring temperatures. With the heat comes a higher risk of wildfires. Greece and other Mediterranean countries are in an area dubbed "a wildfire hotspot" by scientists - with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate, prompting calls for a new approach. "With multiple heatwaves and fire risks expected through September, there is an urgent need to shift from reactive response to proactive preparedness," the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said this week.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
Thousands evacuated as fires threaten Greece, Crete
Firefighters are battling a fire on the island of Crete that scorched forests and olive groves and forced more than 1000 people to evacuate, while a fresh conflagration near Athens threatened homes, highlighting Greece's vulnerability to wildfire risks. Gale-force winds and aridity on Thursday made for tinderbox conditions, hampering Greek authorities' efforts' to tame the fires, as much of Europe baked in an early summer heatwave linked to the death of at least eight people across the region. A new fire broke out in the Athens suburb of Pikermi on Thursday afternoon, threatening many homes and prompting the evacuation of three settlements as more than 100 firefighters battled to extinguish it. Thick grey smoke billowed over the area, close to the Athens international airport and Rafina, home to the capital's second largest port. The main avenue linking the suburb to Athens was closed to traffic. Authorities said there was a high risk of fires also on Friday. In Crete, around 230 firefighters, along with 46 engines and 10 helicopters, were deployed to contain the conflagration on Crete, which broke out a day earlier near Ierapetra town on the southeastern coast of Greece's largest island. Authorities declared a state of emergency in the wider municipal area of Ierapetra on Thursday, state broadcaster ERT said. The blaze encroached upon houses and hotels that were earlier evacuated, stoked by intense winds that "rekindled and hindered firefighting efforts," fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said. More than 1000 residents and tourists were evacuated from at least four settlements. Most took shelter at an indoor stadium in Ierapetra, while others transferred to hotels in the north or left Crete by boat, authorities said. Local media reported damage to some homes, and some people were hospitalised with respiratory issues, an official said. Southeastern Crete saw a massive exodus of about 5000 holidaymakers, George Tzarakis, head of hoteliers in the area, told Reuters, expressing concern over the impact on future bookings. Tourism is a key income earner for the popular tourist island. Greece and other countries in the Mediterranean are in an area scientists dub "a wildfire hotspot" - with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate. Scientists say heatwaves have arrived earlier this year, spiking temperatures by up to 10C in some regions as warming seas encouraged the formation of a heat dome over much of Europe, trapping hot air masses. July is usually the most difficult month of the fire season due to high temperatures and strong winds, the fire brigade's Vathrakogiannis said. Meanwhile, in Turkey, thousands fled as authorities battled wildfires in Cesme and Odemis districts for a second day on the western coastal province of Izmir. Winds hindered their efforts as the flames approached a main highway to Cesme, local TV footage showed, and thick smoke billowed over mountainous areas. Italy's health ministry issued red alerts for 18 cities as temperatures poised to soar as high as 38C in major cities. Temporary blackouts were possible with power consumption surging from the use of air conditioners, Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin warned. Swiss utility Axpo has shut its two reactor units at the Beznau nuclear power plant due to high river water temperatures. Firefighters are battling a fire on the island of Crete that scorched forests and olive groves and forced more than 1000 people to evacuate, while a fresh conflagration near Athens threatened homes, highlighting Greece's vulnerability to wildfire risks. Gale-force winds and aridity on Thursday made for tinderbox conditions, hampering Greek authorities' efforts' to tame the fires, as much of Europe baked in an early summer heatwave linked to the death of at least eight people across the region. A new fire broke out in the Athens suburb of Pikermi on Thursday afternoon, threatening many homes and prompting the evacuation of three settlements as more than 100 firefighters battled to extinguish it. Thick grey smoke billowed over the area, close to the Athens international airport and Rafina, home to the capital's second largest port. The main avenue linking the suburb to Athens was closed to traffic. Authorities said there was a high risk of fires also on Friday. In Crete, around 230 firefighters, along with 46 engines and 10 helicopters, were deployed to contain the conflagration on Crete, which broke out a day earlier near Ierapetra town on the southeastern coast of Greece's largest island. Authorities declared a state of emergency in the wider municipal area of Ierapetra on Thursday, state broadcaster ERT said. The blaze encroached upon houses and hotels that were earlier evacuated, stoked by intense winds that "rekindled and hindered firefighting efforts," fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said. More than 1000 residents and tourists were evacuated from at least four settlements. Most took shelter at an indoor stadium in Ierapetra, while others transferred to hotels in the north or left Crete by boat, authorities said. Local media reported damage to some homes, and some people were hospitalised with respiratory issues, an official said. Southeastern Crete saw a massive exodus of about 5000 holidaymakers, George Tzarakis, head of hoteliers in the area, told Reuters, expressing concern over the impact on future bookings. Tourism is a key income earner for the popular tourist island. Greece and other countries in the Mediterranean are in an area scientists dub "a wildfire hotspot" - with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate. Scientists say heatwaves have arrived earlier this year, spiking temperatures by up to 10C in some regions as warming seas encouraged the formation of a heat dome over much of Europe, trapping hot air masses. July is usually the most difficult month of the fire season due to high temperatures and strong winds, the fire brigade's Vathrakogiannis said. Meanwhile, in Turkey, thousands fled as authorities battled wildfires in Cesme and Odemis districts for a second day on the western coastal province of Izmir. Winds hindered their efforts as the flames approached a main highway to Cesme, local TV footage showed, and thick smoke billowed over mountainous areas. Italy's health ministry issued red alerts for 18 cities as temperatures poised to soar as high as 38C in major cities. Temporary blackouts were possible with power consumption surging from the use of air conditioners, Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin warned. Swiss utility Axpo has shut its two reactor units at the Beznau nuclear power plant due to high river water temperatures. Firefighters are battling a fire on the island of Crete that scorched forests and olive groves and forced more than 1000 people to evacuate, while a fresh conflagration near Athens threatened homes, highlighting Greece's vulnerability to wildfire risks. Gale-force winds and aridity on Thursday made for tinderbox conditions, hampering Greek authorities' efforts' to tame the fires, as much of Europe baked in an early summer heatwave linked to the death of at least eight people across the region. A new fire broke out in the Athens suburb of Pikermi on Thursday afternoon, threatening many homes and prompting the evacuation of three settlements as more than 100 firefighters battled to extinguish it. Thick grey smoke billowed over the area, close to the Athens international airport and Rafina, home to the capital's second largest port. The main avenue linking the suburb to Athens was closed to traffic. Authorities said there was a high risk of fires also on Friday. In Crete, around 230 firefighters, along with 46 engines and 10 helicopters, were deployed to contain the conflagration on Crete, which broke out a day earlier near Ierapetra town on the southeastern coast of Greece's largest island. Authorities declared a state of emergency in the wider municipal area of Ierapetra on Thursday, state broadcaster ERT said. The blaze encroached upon houses and hotels that were earlier evacuated, stoked by intense winds that "rekindled and hindered firefighting efforts," fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said. More than 1000 residents and tourists were evacuated from at least four settlements. Most took shelter at an indoor stadium in Ierapetra, while others transferred to hotels in the north or left Crete by boat, authorities said. Local media reported damage to some homes, and some people were hospitalised with respiratory issues, an official said. Southeastern Crete saw a massive exodus of about 5000 holidaymakers, George Tzarakis, head of hoteliers in the area, told Reuters, expressing concern over the impact on future bookings. Tourism is a key income earner for the popular tourist island. Greece and other countries in the Mediterranean are in an area scientists dub "a wildfire hotspot" - with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate. Scientists say heatwaves have arrived earlier this year, spiking temperatures by up to 10C in some regions as warming seas encouraged the formation of a heat dome over much of Europe, trapping hot air masses. July is usually the most difficult month of the fire season due to high temperatures and strong winds, the fire brigade's Vathrakogiannis said. Meanwhile, in Turkey, thousands fled as authorities battled wildfires in Cesme and Odemis districts for a second day on the western coastal province of Izmir. Winds hindered their efforts as the flames approached a main highway to Cesme, local TV footage showed, and thick smoke billowed over mountainous areas. Italy's health ministry issued red alerts for 18 cities as temperatures poised to soar as high as 38C in major cities. Temporary blackouts were possible with power consumption surging from the use of air conditioners, Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin warned. Swiss utility Axpo has shut its two reactor units at the Beznau nuclear power plant due to high river water temperatures. Firefighters are battling a fire on the island of Crete that scorched forests and olive groves and forced more than 1000 people to evacuate, while a fresh conflagration near Athens threatened homes, highlighting Greece's vulnerability to wildfire risks. Gale-force winds and aridity on Thursday made for tinderbox conditions, hampering Greek authorities' efforts' to tame the fires, as much of Europe baked in an early summer heatwave linked to the death of at least eight people across the region. A new fire broke out in the Athens suburb of Pikermi on Thursday afternoon, threatening many homes and prompting the evacuation of three settlements as more than 100 firefighters battled to extinguish it. Thick grey smoke billowed over the area, close to the Athens international airport and Rafina, home to the capital's second largest port. The main avenue linking the suburb to Athens was closed to traffic. Authorities said there was a high risk of fires also on Friday. In Crete, around 230 firefighters, along with 46 engines and 10 helicopters, were deployed to contain the conflagration on Crete, which broke out a day earlier near Ierapetra town on the southeastern coast of Greece's largest island. Authorities declared a state of emergency in the wider municipal area of Ierapetra on Thursday, state broadcaster ERT said. The blaze encroached upon houses and hotels that were earlier evacuated, stoked by intense winds that "rekindled and hindered firefighting efforts," fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said. More than 1000 residents and tourists were evacuated from at least four settlements. Most took shelter at an indoor stadium in Ierapetra, while others transferred to hotels in the north or left Crete by boat, authorities said. Local media reported damage to some homes, and some people were hospitalised with respiratory issues, an official said. Southeastern Crete saw a massive exodus of about 5000 holidaymakers, George Tzarakis, head of hoteliers in the area, told Reuters, expressing concern over the impact on future bookings. Tourism is a key income earner for the popular tourist island. Greece and other countries in the Mediterranean are in an area scientists dub "a wildfire hotspot" - with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate. Scientists say heatwaves have arrived earlier this year, spiking temperatures by up to 10C in some regions as warming seas encouraged the formation of a heat dome over much of Europe, trapping hot air masses. July is usually the most difficult month of the fire season due to high temperatures and strong winds, the fire brigade's Vathrakogiannis said. Meanwhile, in Turkey, thousands fled as authorities battled wildfires in Cesme and Odemis districts for a second day on the western coastal province of Izmir. Winds hindered their efforts as the flames approached a main highway to Cesme, local TV footage showed, and thick smoke billowed over mountainous areas. Italy's health ministry issued red alerts for 18 cities as temperatures poised to soar as high as 38C in major cities. Temporary blackouts were possible with power consumption surging from the use of air conditioners, Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin warned. Swiss utility Axpo has shut its two reactor units at the Beznau nuclear power plant due to high river water temperatures.
