What is the name and location of the wildfire?

On July 3, 2025, a wildfire on the Greek island of Crete has forced 1,500 residents and tourists to evacuate the area (1).

The fire burning on the southeastern part of the island near the town of Ierapetra initially affected forested areas and is spreading toward residential zones, including beachfront villages.

Which cities or areas are affected by the Crete wildfire?

Cities and areas affected by the wildfire include:

• Achlia
• Agia Fotia
• Ferma
• Ierapetra

What is the current containment status of the Crete wildfire?

As of July 3, the Crete wildfire is not contained. Firefighting efforts are ongoing, with over 230 firefighters, numerous fire trucks, and helicopters deployed to combat the blaze. However, gale force winds and challenging conditions have hindered containment efforts, leading to a tactical retreat for safety reasons and a focus on creating firebreaks to protect threatened settlements.

Greek firefighters recently had to fight numerous fires on Chios Island and are currently battling a blaze in Pikermi, a suburb of Athens. A sweltering heat wave is drying out vegetation across the Balkans, increasing the regional wildfire risk (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation orders have been issued for several areas affected by the wildfire on Crete. Residents and tourists in multiple settlements, including Agia Fotia, Ferma, and Achlia, have been evacuated (3).

Evacuation centers have been set up in indoor sports facilities and hotels in Ierapetra to accommodate displaced individuals. Authorities have also utilized mobile phone messaging to issue alerts and evacuation instructions, emphasizing the high risk of wildfires in the region. Some people have been rescued by boat due to blocked escape routes.

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.