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Three firefighters have lost their lives as Greece battles a series of major wildfires that have forced evacuations, damaged emergency vehicles and stretched firefighting resources across several regions.
The latest fatality was reported in Gytheio, where a firefighter was found dead by colleagues while carrying out firefighting operations in the Ageranos area of East Mani. Authorities believe the blaze began during outdoor work, and one person has been arrested in connection with the suspected cause.
Earlier on Wednesday, two firefighters were killed while responding to a fast-moving wildfire in southern Rethymno, Crete. According to local reports, the pair became trapped inside their fire engine after flames surrounded the vehicle. Their deaths came during efforts to contain a fire that broke out near Krya Vrysi in the municipality of Agios Vasileios.
The Rethymno fire spread rapidly in strong winds, forcing authorities to issue multiple evacuation orders through Greece's 112 emergency alert system. Residents in Agios Georgios, Agios Pavlos, Sakhtouria and Melampes were instructed to leave for safer locations as the fire advanced.
The Hellenic Coast Guard also launched a sea evacuation from the Agios Pavlos coastline. A total of 29 people were rescued using Coast Guard vessels and private boats, with emergency crews remaining on standby in case further evacuations become necessary.
Elsewhere, a firefighter suffered a broken leg while tackling a wildfire near Plomari on the island of Lesbos. He was taken to hospital in Mytilene after receiving initial treatment at the local health centre. Doctors are expected to determine whether surgery is required.
In eastern Crete, two firefighters were taken to hospital with minor burns after becoming trapped by flames while responding to a wildfire near Agia Triada in Sitia. Their two fire engines were destroyed after being overtaken by the fire.
Several large wildfires continued to burn across Greece on Wednesday, with difficult weather conditions complicating efforts to contain them. Strong winds, with gusts reaching Force 7 on the Beaufort scale in parts of Crete, have allowed fires to spread quickly and created dangerous conditions for emergency crews.
More than 150 firefighters, supported by specialised ground teams, dozens of fire engines, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, have been deployed to the Rethymno fire alone. Local authorities are also assisting with water tankers and heavy machinery, while drones equipped with thermal imaging are providing real-time information to the operations centre.
On Lesbos, firefighters are battling two active fire fronts after a blaze began near a former landfill above Milies. One front is advancing towards Plomari, Agios Isidoros and nearby communities, while another is burning towards the mountainous area of Agios Antonios, where aircraft continue water-dropping operations.
The fires remain active across several parts of Greece as emergency services continue efforts to protect lives and property.
