Fears wind could worsen Crete wildfire as temperatures soar to 38C
Gale-force winds hamper firefighters battling massive Crete blaze
- Firefighters on the Greek island of Crete are in their third day of battling a wildfire that has razed forests and olive groves.
- The blaze, which began on Wednesday near Ierapetra, has forced the evacuation of thousands of residents and approximately 5,000 holidaymakers.
- Around 130 firefighters, 48 vehicles, and six helicopters are contending with gale-force winds and dry conditions, with concerns about embers reigniting contained areas.
- The wildfire has consumed swathes of agricultural land, leaving dead animals and scorched farmhouses, though many evacuees are now expected to return.
- This incident occurs as Europe experiences an early summer heatwave, linked to at least eight deaths, highlighting the increased risk of destructive wildfires in Mediterranean "hotspot" regions due to climate change.