The day after the major wildfire in southern Rethymno, which claimed the lives of two firefighters, has laid bare the true scale of the destruction. Areas that until a few days ago were lush with greenery, dense vegetation and unique natural landscapes have been reduced to a vast expanse of ash, charred tree trunks and blackened earth.

The wider area around Preveli, one of Crete’s most significant natural landmarks, bore the brunt of the fire’s passage. The flames caused extensive damage to vegetation, with images from the affected areas capturing the sheer ferocity of the blaze.

Early assessments suggest the “heart” of the palm forest was spared, with the worst damage concentrated around its edges.

A landscape transformed in a matter of hours

Photographs from the affected areas capture a reality that is difficult to put into words. Hillsides that were until recently a vivid green have now turned black, trees have been reduced to charred stumps, and the ground lies covered in ash.

See photos of the wildfire’s destructive path through Rethymno
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Investigation into the fire’s cause continues

As Rethymno works to get back on its feet, the judicial investigation into the causes of the devastating wildfire is ongoing.

The official responsible for network operations at Rethymno’s branch of the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DEDDIE) was released under restrictive conditions after testifying before the investigating magistrate. He is facing charges of arson through negligence, in connection with the fire that broke out in the Kria Vrysi area.

By joint decision of the investigating magistrate and the prosecutor, he was barred from leaving the country and ordered to report regularly to his local police station. He denies the charges against him.

Following the hearing, his defence lawyer, Andreas Argyropoulos, described the process as particularly difficult, arguing that the intensity of public reaction to the destruction and the loss of two lives had led to hasty actions during the preliminary investigation stage.

According to the lawyer, his client had been wrongly presented as responsible for network maintenance, a role he says does not reflect his actual duties. He added that his client had fully cooperated with the judicial authorities, providing detailed explanations throughout, and described him as a highly experienced and capable employee who has made a significant contribution to the operation and repair of the electricity distribution network.