Crete: Fire near Souda Naval Base

Mobilised ground and aerial firefighting forces

A large fire broke out in Chania where firefighters are battling with the flames. According to news source cretapost things began early morning when a fire broke out in the area near Souda Naval base where currently ground and aerial firefighting forces have been mobilised.

Emergency number 112 was activated urging residents to evacuate the Naval base as a precaution. The fire has affected groves near Souda further advancing hence, posing a threat to residential areas. Strong winds have fueled the fire leading to its rapid spread and necessitating a robust firefighting response. Firefighters are striving to contain it although, facing challenges due to powerful southerly winds in the area. In addition to ground efforts, firefighting helicopters are also battling  flames by conducting water drops.

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Just before 9 a.m., as the fire rapidly spread, authorities opted to evacuate the Souda base as a precautionary measure. Police, Civil Protection, and firefighters swiftly carried out the evacuation. Simultaneously, the school in the vicinity was cleared, and patients from the Naval Hospital were securely transferred to Chania hospital. Noteworthy, is that police have been deployed and access to vehicles in the area have been restricted. Orders have been issued for vehicles heading towards the base to turn back to Chania.