The two firefighters became trapped inside their vehicle in the Sachtouria area of Nea Krya Vrysi. According to initial reports, they lost their bearings due to the dense smoke. Early information identified them as firefighters aged 28 and 60, one a seasonal firefighter and the other serving under a five-year contract.

Key developments

• The wildfire in Rethymno has been burning out of control since early afternoon, and six settlements have already been evacuated. Strong winds are hampering firefighting efforts.
• The situation has improved at the wildfire in Moroni, Heraklion.
• A 112 emergency alert has been sent to residents of Ageranos, Laconia, advising them to be ready to evacuate.
• A major wildfire has also broken out in Plomari, Lesvos, with an evacuation order issued toward Agios Isidoros.

29/07/2026 – 16:46

Firefighting operations

• Nea Krya Vrysi, Rethymno: 125 firefighters, 27 fire engines, six specialized ground teams from the 3rd and 19th EMODE units, supported periodically by four helicopters and four aircraft.
• Moroni, Heraklion: The fire is burning low vegetation. Fifty-eight firefighters, 18 fire engines, two ground teams from the 3rd EMODE, and two helicopters are deployed.
• Ageranos, Laconia: Sixty-two firefighters, 17 fire engines, three ground teams from the 9th EMODE, two aircraft, and one helicopter are fighting the blaze.
• Plomari, Lesvos: Reinforced forces include 50 firefighters, 13 fire engines, two ground teams from the 12th EMODE, three aircraft, and three helicopters.

29/07/2026 – 16:04

UPDATES

Fire stretches over 15 kilometers in Rethymno; flames reach first homes in Krya Vrysi

Speaking to Greece’s public broadcaster ERT, Sifis Vavourakis, president of the Krya Vrysi community, said the wildfire front now extends for more than 15 kilometers, with flames reaching the first houses in the village.

“We’re trying to save whatever we can—our lives and our homes. I’m deeply shaken. Let everything else be lost, but not human lives. The winds are blowing with gale force.”

He also reported that two volunteers assisting with firefighting efforts were injured.

29/07/2026 – 17:27

New 112 evacuation alert for another area in Rethymno

“Forest fire in the Triopetra area of the Regional Unit of Rethymno. If you are in the area, evacuate via the Agiovasiliotiko coastal road toward Kerame.”

⚠️ Ενεργοποίηση 1️⃣1️⃣2️⃣

🆘 Δασική πυρκαγιά στην περιοχή #Τριόπετρας της Περιφερειακής Ενότητας #Ρεθύμνης

‼️ Αν βρίσκεστε στην περιοχή απομακρυνθείτε μέσω παραλιακής οδού Αγιοβασιλιώτικου προς #Κεραμέ

‼️ Ακολουθείτε τις οδηγίες των Αρχών

ℹ️ https://t.co/epZaj71grH…

— 112 Greece (@112Greece) July 29, 2026

29/07/2026 – 17:24

Fire Service statement on the deaths of the two firefighters

The Fire Service issued the following statement:

“Today is an exceptionally difficult day for the Fire Service.

During firefighting operations at the rural and forest wildfire in the Krya Vrysi area of Rethymno, two firefighters lost their lives. They made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while protecting the lives, property, and natural environment of our citizens.

The leadership of the Fire Service expresses its profound sorrow and sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of our fallen colleagues.

Our thoughts are with them.”

29/07/2026 – 17:19

112 evacuation order for Plomari, Lesvos

“Forest fire in the Plomari area of the Regional Unit of Lesvos. If you are in the area, evacuate toward Plomari Beach in the direction of Agios Isidoros.”

29/07/2026 – 17:11

Video from the major wildfire in Rethymno

29/07/2026 – 17:00

Two firefighters killed while battling the wildfire

The two firefighters became trapped inside their vehicle in the Sachtouria area of Nea Krya Vrysi.

According to early reports, they lost their orientation in the thick smoke. Initial reports at that time identified them as 27 and 23 years old. (This conflicts with earlier reports listing them as 28 and 60 years old.)

29/07/2026 – 16:51

New 112 alert for evacuation of two more areas in Rethymno

“Forest fire in the Agios Georgios and Agios Pavlos areas of the Regional Unit of Rethymno. If you are in these areas, evacuate via the Agiovasiliotiko coastal road toward Agia Galini.”

29/07/2026 – 16:28

“The wildfire in Rethymno is extremely dangerous”

The Fire Service Coordination Center told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA):

“This is a very dangerous wildfire that is fully developing. There are homes within the affected area, which is why we issued 112 evacuation alerts.”

Firefighting resources have been significantly reinforced as the fire continues to spread under strong winds with gusts reaching Force 7 on the Beaufort scale.

The operation now involves:

• 125 firefighters
• Six specialized ground teams (3rd and 19th EMODE)
• 27 fire engines
• Four helicopters
• Four firefighting aircraft

Municipal water tankers and heavy machinery from the Municipality of Agios Vasileios are also assisting.

29/07/2026 – 16:22

Plomari wildfire continues to spread

The wildfire is burning olive groves and pine forests.

29/07/2026 – 16:19

Three arrests over fire at former Badminton building in Goudi Park

Authorities from the Fire Service’s Arson Investigation Directorate arrested three individuals allegedly connected to the fire at the former Badminton venue in Goudi Park.

The investigation began immediately after the fire broke out, and coordinated operations led authorities to identify the three suspects.

29/07/2026 – 16:15

Strong winds in Rethymno

Wind gusts are reaching Force 7 (Beaufort scale).

29/07/2026 – 16:10

Rethymno fire:

Improved situation in Heraklion

The wildfire near Mesara, Heraklion, is showing signs of improvement. Two aerial firefighting aircraft are operating in the area.

29/07/2026 – 16:08

112 evacuation alerts for three areas in Rethymno

Two emergency alerts were issued for the evacuation of Nea Krya Vrysi, Saktouria, and Melambes.

The first alert stated:

“Forest fire in the Krya Vrysi area of the Regional Unit of Rethymno. If you are in the area, evacuate toward the coast of Rethymno.”

The second alert stated:

“Forest fire in the Saktouria and Melambes areas of the Regional Unit of Rethymno. If you are in these areas, evacuate toward Agia Galini.”