Dozens of firefighters were deployed to a large blaze at a lumber yard in Iraklio Thursday afternoon that sent thick clouds of smoke billowing across the city on northern Crete and threatened nearby buildings.
There were no immediate confirmed reports of the flames spreading beyond the lumber yard, and no injuries were reported.
Civil protection authorities sent a push alert to Iraklio residents, urging them to stay at home and keep doors and windows shut to avoid smoke inhalation.
The Fire Service said 75 firefighters with 15 fire engines, a water-dropping helicopter, water tankers and drones were trying to tame the fire in the city’s Aghios Ioannis Chostos district.
Iraklio is the capital of Crete and the island’s largest city, with a population of about 180,000.
