Greek Coast Guard Rescues 31 from Wildfire Flames and Smoke in Southern Crete

A massive wildfire erupted in southern Crete near Agios Pavlos in the Rethymno region, forcing dozens of residents and tourists to flee toward the coast. The fire began in the Karia and Risi areas and quickly spread due to strong winds, creating multiple fire fronts that threatened villages including Sachtouria, Melambes, Agios Pavlos, Agios Georgios, and Agia Galini. Authorities issued emergency alerts and ordered mass evacuations.

At Agios Pavlos, the fire and thick smoke blocked land routes, preventing buses from reaching all trapped individuals. Some evacuees reached the shoreline and entered the sea to escape the flames, prompting a maritime rescue operation. Greek Coast Guard patrol boats, a rescue boat, and private vessels evacuated a total of 31 people from the shore and sea, including children, women, and elderly, transferring them safely to Agia Galini. The rescue was conducted under challenging conditions of strong winds, rough seas, and limited visibility due to smoke.

Simultaneously, police ordered extensive evacuations in Agia Galini and other villages, relocating thousands of residents and tourists to sports halls, public buildings, and safer hotels. Hundreds of firefighters, special teams, police, coast guard, and volunteers battled the fire with water tankers and limited aerial support due to adverse weather. The fire front stretched for kilometers, damaging homes and farmland.

Tragically, two firefighters died while attempting to control the blaze near Karia and Risi, deepening the disaster's impact. Emergency services continue to fight the fire to prevent further loss of life and property.

Summary: A large wildfire in southern Crete forced mass evacuations and a sea rescue of 31 people trapped by flames and smoke, while firefighters battled the blaze amid harsh conditions, resulting in two firefighter fatalities.

Points: - A wildfire in southern Crete forced dozens to flee to the coast and jump into the sea to escape. - Greek Coast Guard and private boats rescued 31 people from the shore and water near Agios Pavlos. - Strong winds and smoke blocked land routes, complicating evacuation and firefighting efforts. - Thousands were evacuated from multiple villages, including tourists and residents. - Two firefighters died battling the fire near Karia and Risi. - Emergency teams continue to combat the fire to protect lives and property.

Topic: security israel_relevant: false entities: {"people":[],"organizations":["Greek Coast Guard","Greek Fire Services","Police"],"places":["Crete","Agios Pavlos","Rethymno","Karia","Risi","Sachtouria","Melambes","Agios Georgios","Agia Galini"]}