The Fire Service in Heraklion has been placed on alert due to a fire in an outdoor area of a factory in the Agios Ioannis Chostos area of Crete.

The fire broke out under currently unknown circumstances earlier this afternoon (25/06), in pallets stored at the factory. The firefighting operation is ongoing, with strong forces deployed at the scene.

According to the Fire Service, the operation involves 8 fire engines, 32 firefighters, and 1 helicopter.

The fire spread rapidly due to highly flammable materials, according to neakriti.gr. Particular concern has been raised as flames are burning very close to residential homes, with reports saying they are “licking” houses, while firefighters are battling to prevent the fire from spreading into the residential area.

Due to the severity of the incident, the 112 emergency alert system was activated, sending a warning message to citizens’ mobile phones.