Greek firefighters battled multiple wildfires Thursday as strong winds hampered containment efforts on the southern island of Crete and evacuations were ordered on the Cycladic islands of Paros and Andros.
On Crete, crews continued battling flare-ups from a major wildfire that erupted Wednesday near Krya Vrysi in the Rethymno regional unit and spread across several communities. Strong winds prevented firefighting aircraft from operating safely, leaving ground crews to battle advancing flames.
Authorities issued a new emergency evacuation alert for the communities of Gefyra, Monastery and Lake Preveli, urging residents to move toward the village of Lefkogia after a new fire broke out near Asomatos. Local media reported that some homes had caught fire, though officials had not confirmed damage.
New wildfires also broke out on Paros and Andros, where emergency text alerts ordered residents of Aspro Chorio and Paleopoli, respectively, to evacuate. Firefighters, volunteers and aircraft were deployed as strong winds fueled the blazes.
Much of Greece remained under a “very high” wildfire risk warning Thursday as hot, dry weather and gale-force winds continued to create tinderbox conditions.
