30/07/2026 02:52

Reinforcements Sent to Agios Vasileios Wildfire Front

The massive Rethymno wildfire, which broke out on Wednesday afternoon (July 29) in the Krya Vrysi area of the Municipality of Agios Vasileios, remains out of control. Two firefighters lost their lives while battling the blaze.

The fire spread rapidly through the villages of Melambes, Sachtouria, Kryopetra, Agios Pavlos, Agios Georgios, Orne, and Agia Galini, creating a vast ring of fire.

Shortly before midnight, authorities issued two additional 112 emergency alerts, ordering residents of Ligres and Agia Paraskevi to evacuate toward Agalianos and Kerames.

The wildfire front now stretches nearly 20 kilometers (12.4 miles). Firefighters are battling multiple active fronts throughout the night under extremely difficult conditions caused by strong winds.

A total of 198 firefighters, supported by 10 specialized ground crews and 43 fire engines, are currently deployed. Reinforcements are expected to arrive in Crete on Thursday morning from Piraeus, including 18 additional firefighters, three ground crews, and six fire engines.

Meanwhile, the wildfire at Agia Triada in Sitia remains active, with 48 firefighters, three ground crews, and 12 fire engines continuing suppression efforts.

On the island of Lesvos, 92 firefighters, five ground crews, and 19 fire engines are battling the wildfire in Plomari.

Another wildfire also remains active on Paros, where 86 firefighters, four ground crews, and 24 fire engines are working to extinguish scattered fire hotspots.

30/07/2026 – 02:52

112 Emergency Alert Issued in Rethymno

Residents of Ligres were instructed to evacuate toward Agalianos and Kerames.

⚠️ Ενεργοποίηση 1️⃣1️⃣2️⃣

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

‼️ Αν βρίσκεστε στην περιοχή απομακρυνθείτε προς #Αγαλιανός και #Κεραμές

‼️ Ακολουθείτε τις οδηγίες των Αρχών

ℹ️ https://t.co/epZaj71grH@pyrosvestiki@hellenicpolice

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

29/07/2026 – 23:53

New 112 Alert for Rethymno

A second emergency alert instructed residents of Agia Paraskevi to evacuate toward Agalianos and Kerames.

Developments so far

• There are currently three major wildfire fronts: Rethymno, Sitia, and Plomari, while a fourth fire in Gytheio has been brought under control.
• Two firefighters, aged 25 and 58, were found dead in Sachtouria, near Krya Vrysi, Rethymno.
• A 27-year-old firefighter died from natural causes while on duty at the Ageranos, Gytheio wildfire. He was working at the incident but away from the active fire front.
• Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his condolences over the deaths of the three firefighters.
• The Rethymno wildfire, which broke out at midday, now stretches across a 15-kilometer (9.3-mile) front. It has burned extensive farmland and forest, threatening villages that are being evacuated one after another. Greek Coast Guard vessels and other boats have rescued people who had taken refuge on nearby beaches.
• In the Rethymno fire, the two firefighters became trapped inside their vehicle in Sachtouria after losing their bearings in dense smoke. One was a 25-year-old seasonal firefighter, and the other a 58-year-old firefighter serving under a five-year contract. Two volunteers were also slightly injured.
• 156 firefighters are battling the blaze at Krya Vrysi, Rethymno, supported by 27 fire engines and six specialized ground crews from the 3rd and 19th EMODE units. Aerial firefighting aircraft are grounded because of extremely strong winds.
• A temporary accommodation platform has been activated for people displaced by the wildfire in Rethymno.
• In Agia Triada, Lasithi, 25 firefighters, two ground crews, and five fire engines are responding to another wildfire. Strong winds there are also making aerial operations extremely difficult.
• Firefighting forces have been reinforced in Plomari, Lesvos, where an evacuation order toward Agios Isidoros has been issued. The response includes 50 firefighters, 13 fire engines, two EMODE ground crews, three aircraft, and three helicopters.
• The wildfire at Ageranos, Laconia has been contained.

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 – 20:44

Minister’s statement on the firefighter who died in Gytheio

“The loss of our firefighter during the operation to extinguish the wildfire in Ageranos, Gytheio, fills us all with profound sorrow,” said Evangelos Tournas, Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.

“I extend my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues in the Fire Service.”

29/07/2026 – 21:44

Two firefighters injured in the Sitia wildfire; two fire engines destroyed

The two firefighters were taken to hospital with minor burns.

29/07/2026 – 21:40

Temporary accommodation platform launched for Rethymno wildfire victims

The platform was created by the Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.

29/07/2026 – 21:23

Plomari: One firefighter injured

A firefighter was injured while battling the wildfire in the Plomari area of Lesvos.

According to reports, he suffered a fractured leg. He was initially treated at the Plomari Health Center and was later transferred to Mytilene General Hospital, where he remains hospitalized. Doctors will decide the following day whether surgery is necessary or whether conservative treatment will be sufficient.

29/07/2026 – 21:20

Fire Service: Two firefighters slightly injured in Sitia; two fire engines destroyed

During efforts to extinguish the wildfire in low vegetation at Agia Triada, Sitia, at approximately 5:30 p.m., two fire engines became trapped by the flames and were completely destroyed.

As the crews escaped from the vehicles, two firefighters sustained minor burns and were transported to hospital.

The wildfire remains active.

A 112 emergency alert was issued at 5:23 p.m. for people in the wider area. Winds at the scene are reaching Force 7 (Beaufort scale).

29/07/2026 – 21:19

Evacuation of Agia Galini underway

Following a 112 emergency alert, authorities have begun evacuating Agia Galini, directing residents and visitors to move toward Tympaki while following official instructions.

The Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the Ministry of Tourism, the Region of Crete, and the municipalities of Agios Vasileios and Phaistos are coordinating the safe relocation of residents and tourists.

29/07/2026 – 21:15

Temporary accommodation platform activated

A dedicated online platform has been launched by the Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, alongside assistance provided by local authorities, to arrange temporary accommodation for people displaced by the 29 July 2026 wildfire in the Municipality of Agios Vasileios, Regional Unit of Rethymno.

The platform was created by the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.

29/07/2026 – 20:56

Mitsotakis expresses condolences

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said:

“I extend my sincere condolences to the families and colleagues of the two firefighters who lost their lives while battling the flames in Rethymno, and to the firefighter who passed away in Gytheio.”

He added:

“Our thoughts are with them, as well as with all firefighters, volunteers, and members of the security services who are fighting these wildfires amid a harsh new reality they are called upon to face every year.”

29/07/2026 – 20:54

Speaker of Parliament honors the fallen firefighters

Nikitas Kaklamanis, Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, expressed his condolences to the families of the three firefighters who died in the line of duty.

He said:

“I wish to express my profound sorrow for the three brave members of the Fire Service who today, fulfilling their duty with selflessness and sacrifice, stood as a shield against the flames, fighting on the front lines to protect lives and property.”

He pledged that the Greek Parliament would continue supporting their families and concluded:

“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Immortal.”

29/07/2026 – 20:46

Wildfire continues in Sitia

Firefighters, volunteers, and local residents continue battling the wildfire at Agia Triada, Sitia, as it advances toward Atherinolakkos.

Ground crews are carrying the burden of the operation because extremely strong winds have prevented firefighting aircraft from flying.

The rugged terrain is also complicating suppression efforts.

29/07/2026 – 20:32

Ambulance service on high alert

Greece’s National Emergency Medical Service (EKAB) remains on full operational alert for the wildfires in Rethymno and Sitia.

For the major fire around Krya Vrysi, Orne, and Agia Galini, seven ambulances remain on standby.

So far, EKAB has transported the bodies of the two firefighters from Krya Vrysi to Rethymno General Hospital. No other incidents requiring ambulance intervention have been reported there.

Additional nearby medical facilities have also been placed on heightened readiness.

For the Agia Triada, Sitia wildfire, two more ambulances were deployed. EKAB treated two firefighters with minor burns, who were then transported by Fire Service vehicle to Sitia General Hospital–Health Center.

As firefighting and evacuation operations continue, EKAB remains on heightened alert.

29/07/2026 – 20:26

U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle offers condolences

U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle expressed her condolences over the deaths of the two firefighters in Rethymno.

My heart is with the people of Greece today following tragic loss of two firefighters who gave their lives while courageously battling a wildfire near Rethymno, Crete.

I extend my deepest condolences to their families, colleagues, loved ones, and the entire Hellenic Fire Corps.…— Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle (@USAmbassadorGR) July 29, 2026

She wrote:

“My heart is with the people of Greece today following the tragic loss of two firefighters who gave their lives while bravely battling a wildfire near Rethymno, Crete.

I extend my deepest condolences to their families, colleagues, loved ones, and the entire Hellenic Fire Service. We honor the extraordinary courage of those who risk themselves every day to protect their fellow citizens, as well as the millions of travelers from America and around the world who visit Greece.”

29/07/2026 – 20:24

Ageranos wildfire contained

The wildfire at Ageranos, Laconia, has been brought under control.

29/07/2026 – 20:17

Extreme winds in Crete

Video footage shows extremely strong winds, with conditions so severe that people can barely remain standing.

29/07/2026 – 20:17

Video from Sachtouria

Footage from Sachtouria shows homes that were destroyed by the wildfire.

29/07/2026 – 20:14

Photo from the Rethymno wildfire

29/07/2026 – 19:57

Two firefighters injured in Lasithi

The situation remains extremely critical in the wildfire burning near Agia Triada, Sitia.

According to local reports, two firefighters working alongside 23 colleagues were injured near Atherinolakkos. They were rescued in time and transported to a nearby health center.

29/07/2026 – 19:52

Twelve more people rescued by sea in Rethymno

An additional 12 people were rescued from the Agios Pavlos coastal area by two Hellenic Coast Guard vessels, a rescue boat, and private boats.

A total of 29 people have now been rescued by sea.

29/07/2026 – 16:04

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.

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.”