For the third consecutive day, firefighters and volunteers battled to contain a devastating wildfire in Ierapetra that has sent several residents and tourists to the hospital with respiratory issues. In the early hours of Friday (04.07.2025), emergency crews managed to fully contain the blaze, bringing relief to local authorities. However, strong winds continue to sweep through the region, raising concerns about possible re-ignition.
Over 250 firefighters, 50 fire trucks, and 10 helicopters—alongside volunteers and private water tankers from across Crete—have been working under difficult conditions to suppress flare-ups. According to ERT, there was significant concern late Thursday night regarding areas near Ferma due to unpredictable fire behavior.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Preliminary reports indicate more than 12,000 acres of land have been scorched, with extensive damage reported to crops, irrigation systems, and three uninhabitable homes. Local hospitals treated multiple individuals suffering from smoke inhalation, while many residents and tourists remain displaced.
Tourist accommodations in the area remain closed, and evacuations are ongoing. The municipal areas of Makry Gialos, Ierapetra, and Agios Ioannis have all been declared in a state of emergency by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection. The declaration, valid until October 2nd, aims to address urgent needs and manage the aftermath of the wildfires.
A specialized arson investigation unit arrived in Crete yesterday to begin collecting testimonies from firefighters and witnesses in an effort to determine the cause of the fire.