Wildfires rage across Greece as strong winds fuel multiple fronts

Southern Rethymno remains the most critical blaze; new fires force evacuations in Boeotia and Argolida

ATHENS, 31 July 2026 — Firefighters continued to battle multiple wildfires across Greece on Friday under extremely difficult conditions, with strong winds driving rapid spread and repeated flare-ups. The largest and most destructive fire remains active in southern Rethymno on Crete, while new fronts broke out in Boeotia and the Argolida region of the Peloponnese. An earlier blaze in Floka, Achaia, was brought under control.

Southern Rethymno: Widespread destruction and investigation into electricity network

The major wildfire that began on 29 July continued to burn across southern Rethymno, affecting areas around Krya Vrysi, Agia Paraskevi and Preveli. Gale-force winds with gusts reaching 108–125 km/h have severely hampered both ground and aerial operations.

Satellite analysis by the National Observatory of Athens, using Copernicus Sentinel-2 data, estimates that approximately 45,000 stremmas (about 4,500 hectares) have already been scorched. Homes, businesses, olive groves, farmland and livestock facilities have been destroyed. More than 270 firefighters are deployed in the Rethymno and Sitia areas.

Thousands of residents and tourists were evacuated from villages including Agia Galini, Agios Pavlos, Triopetra, Saktouria, Melabes and Krya Vrysi. Maritime rescues were also carried out along the coast.

Two firefighters — a 25-year-old seasonal firefighter and a 58-year-old colleague — died on 29 July near Krya Vrysi after becoming trapped by the flames. A third firefighter lost his life while responding to a separate fire near Gytheio in the Peloponnese.

Investigators from the Fire Service’s Arson Crime Directorate have arrested the DEDDIE network operations manager for Rethymno. Preliminary findings indicate that strong winds caused medium-voltage power lines to sway violently, producing sparks that ignited dry vegetation near Krya Vrysi. The official faces charges of arson by negligence. Authorities are also seeking the maintenance manager responsible for that section of the network.

Boeotia: Fire enters Xironormi settlement

In Xironormi, Boeotia, flames entered the village itself, destroying agricultural facilities, machinery and livestock units. Repeated 112 emergency alerts ordered residents of Xironormi to evacuate toward Ellopia, while those in Alyki and Agios Nikolaos were directed toward Domvrena. Approximately 49 firefighters, three ground teams, 15 vehicles and two helicopters are operating at the scene.

A second front ignited in Kalamaki, near Thiva. Local officials described the fire as highly dangerous. Strong ground forces, aerial support and municipal resources have been deployed, with additional 112 alerts issued for the Agios Vasileios area.

Argolida: Blaze near Mycenae

A significant fire broke out near Fichti in Argolida, close to the archaeological site of Mycenae, burning olive trees and agroforestry land. Strong winds complicated containment efforts. Large ground forces from Argos and Nafplio, supported by water tankers, one helicopter and four firefighting aircraft, are engaged. The old national road between Argos and Corinth was closed in both directions near Fichti, and 112 alerts ordered residents to move toward Argos.

Achaia: Situation improves in Floka

The fire that erupted in the early hours in Floka, Achaia, prompted a 112 alert around 5 a.m. instructing residents to evacuate toward Arla. Approximately 50 firefighters with three ground crews and 14 engines responded. By later reports the front had been brought under control.

Civil Protection authorities have maintained a Category 4 (very high) fire risk warning across large parts of the country, including Crete, Attica, parts of the Peloponnese and Central Greece. Fire services remain on high alert nationwide.

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