Greece is grappling with a surge of wildfires this summer, with over 2,000 blazes erupting across the country. These fires, exacerbated by unusually high temperatures linked to climate change, have prompted authorities to declare the highest fire risk in two decades.
On Thursday, Greek authorities dispatched additional firefighting forces to the southern island of Crete, where a major wildfire raged through mountainous areas. The blaze forced the evacuation of eight villages, prompting concerns for residents and their property. The fire, which tore through olive groves, farmland, and scrub, also damaged irrigation networks, but fortunately, did not pose an immediate threat to busy holiday resorts along the island’s coastline.
Firefighters, numbering nearly 300, battled the blaze, supported by a fleet of 13 waterbombing aircraft and eight helicopters. Strong winds, however, hampered firefighting efforts on the ground, forcing aircraft to cease operations after nightfall. Despite the challenging conditions, firefighters are hopeful that a lull in the wind overnight will enable them to gain control over the blaze.
While most of the 2,000 wildfires have been contained before causing significant damage or fatalities, the fire in Rethymno poses a significant challenge. The fire, which initially appeared to be under control after a nightlong lull in winds, intensified after daybreak.
The dry, hot conditions, exacerbated by a mild, dry winter, have left vegetation across Greece tinder-dry, creating ideal conditions for rapid fire spread. In response to the escalating threat, the Greek government has bolstered firefighting resources, including water-dropping aircraft and early warning drones.
As of Thursday afternoon, 35 new wildfires broke out across Greece, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by firefighters in combating the ongoing wildfire crisis.
