Hundreds of people have been evacuated as a massive wildfire burns out of control on the Greek island of Crete. The fire, fuelled by gale-force winds, began on Wednesday afternoon in difficult wooded terrain near the municipality of Ierapetra. The fire has expanded quickly, endangering residences, tourist accommodations, and key infrastructure, including a gasoline station.
According to emergency services, the fire front has now spread to at least 6 km, making control more difficult. Thick smoke has blanketed the surrounding region, reducing visibility to near zero in parts.
Authorities have also ordered a mass evacuation of hotels, rental rooms, and houses in the Ferma municipality as the fires approach. The operation is now ongoing, with assistance from the fire department, police, and local volunteers.
So far, around 1,500 people have been evacuated from nearby communities and tourist destinations and relocated to Ierapetra. About 200 evacuees are being housed at the town’s indoor sports centre. Smoke from the fire has spread as far as Makry Gialos beach, 10 kilometres (6 miles) from Achlia in Lasithi, where firemen are tackling the blaze.
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