The battle against the wildfire raging in Ierapetra, Crete, has entered its second day, with firefighting forces continuing their relentless efforts to contain the blaze that first broke out on Wednesday, June 2, 2025. Strong winds have made aerial and ground operations extremely challenging, complicating containment efforts throughout the night.
Late in the evening, wind intensity decreased, leading to a visibly improved situation. However, flare-ups were reported in the gorge of Agios Ioannis and in Fermes shortly after sunset. Around midnight on Thursday, a new outbreak occurred in a ravine near Agios Ioannis and Fermes, prompting immediate mobilization by emergency services.
According to preliminary estimates from local authorities, over 12,000 acres of land have been burned. A total of 230 firefighters, 13 ground teams, 46 vehicles, and 10 aerial units conducted water drops until the last light of day. Support came from police, EKAB (emergency medical services), the coast guard, local municipalities with bulldozers, tankers, and volunteers—including local citizens using farm vehicles to transport water.
Firefighters are expected to remain in the area overnight. The Civil Protection Agency issued an alert via the 112 service at 14:05 today, urging residents in Katharades, Fermes, Koutsounari, and Kakia Skala to evacuate toward Ierapetra following official instructions.
Approximately 3,000 people have evacuated settlements, with more than 12,000 acres scorched, including homes, farms, and livestock. Following a request from the Ierapetra Municipality, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection declared a state of Emergency in the Municipal Units of Makry Gialos and in the Municipal Communities of Ierapetra and Agios Ioannis, effective immediately and lasting until October 2, 2025.