The battle against the wildfire raging in Ierapetra continues as strong winds complicate firefighting efforts that have been ongoing since Wednesday (02.07.2025), turning everything in its path to ashes. The fire front remains uncontrolled after a nightmarish evening where fire crews fought fiercely to contain the flames. From early Thursday morning (02.07.2025), aerial operations have joined ground forces in an effort to limit the spread of the fire.
Firefighting operations continue with undiminished intensity, while all eyes are on the conditions expected throughout the day, both in terms of wind strength and the progression of fire fronts. Wind gusts in the area reach up to 9 Beaufort, continuously causing spot fires and new outbreaks, greatly complicating firefighting work.
Damage to the coastal zone and more mountainous areas is extensive. Burned homes, businesses, greenhouses, tourist units, villas, and hotels have already been reported; however, at this time there is still no official or complete picture of the situation from relevant authorities such as the Fire Department and Police. Damage assessment is expected to begin gradually once it is ensured that there are no active fire fronts in neighboring areas.
For updates on the large fire in Ierapetra, Fire Department spokesperson Vasilis Vathrakogiannis stated: “In the wildfire that broke out yesterday afternoon in Ierapetra, Crete, strong firefighting forces, reinforced by teams from Attica, are currently dealing with many scattered outbreaks. Wind gusts in the region reach up to 9 Beaufort, constantly creating spot fires and new outbreaks, significantly hampering firefighting operations. A total of 230 firefighters are involved, supported by 13 ground units, 46 vehicles, and a drone aircraft team. For aerial firefighting, ten helicopters have been deployed, one of which serves as coordination support. Water tankers and machinery from the Region of Crete and the General Staff of National Defense are also assisting in the operation. In addition, police and EKAB emergency services have been deployed to the fire area, and coast guard units have also mobilized accordingly. Firefighting operations in Ierapetra are coordinated by the Deputy Chief of the Fire Corps. The damage assessment for infrastructure and housing will be carried out upon completion of extinguishing operations under orders from the Fire Corps Commander, Lieutenant General Theodoros Vagias. Crime investigation units specializing in arson have been dispatched to Chalkidiki and Ierapetra to investigate the causes of the wildfires.”
Approximately 5,000 people, mostly foreign tourists staying in local hotels, have been evacuated from the area, according to George Tzarakis, President of the Hoteliers Association of Ierapetra and Southeast Crete. He described how the fire, which broke out just after 4 PM on Wednesday, rapidly expanded due to strong winds, reaching the beach of Agia Fotia within a short period. According to him, damages are extensive, including destroyed homes, businesses, taverns, and natural ecosystems. It remains unclear whether the Eden Rock hotel sustained any material damage, as access to the area is still limited.
Tourist accommodations are being evacuated en masse as the fire approaches dangerously close to resort facilities. Tzarakis confirmed that the tourism season has already suffered a serious blow, as hotels need at least two weeks to resume full operation. He mentioned that reservations risk being canceled or postponed, particularly during the high season in mid-July when business is expected to peak. He has been in continuous communication with international partners and tour operators since last night, trying to reassure them about the situation. Although his own hotel didn’t require evacuation, major chains like Robinson proceeded with evacuations following directives from their overseas headquarters. Most evacuated tourists were relocated to hotels in Heraklion and Hersonissos.
According to meteo.gr, pyrometeorological conditions in the broader area of the fire in Ierapetra will remain extreme until late afternoon (18:00/19:00) on Thursday, July 3, 2025:
– Northern winds will continue to blow stormily (7-8 Beaufort) until early afternoon (17:00/18:00) on Thursday, slightly weakening afterward (5-6 Beaufort).
– Flammability levels of fine dead forest fuels remain at high levels (9-10%) throughout Thursday.
– The interaction between northern winds and the topography leads to explosive fire behavior, especially in areas with rich vegetation.
– Improvement in pyrometeorological conditions (weakening winds and increased humidity of fine dead forest fuels) is not expected before the early hours of Friday, July 4, 2025.