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Three firefighters died while battling wildfires in Greece on Wednesday as gale-force winds fuelled several new blazes across the country.
According to a statement from the fire service, “they fell heroically in the line of duty, safeguarding the lives and property of citizens as well as the natural environment,” while the leadership of the Fire Service “expresses its profound sorrow and sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.”
A total of 156 firefighters are involved in efforts to extinguish the blaze, which broke out near Rethymno around midday on Wednesday. They are supported by eight ground teams, 33 fire engines, four helicopters and four aircraft carrying out periodic aerial firefighting operations.
Water tankers and heavy machinery from the Municipality of Agios Vasileios are also supporting the Fire Service’s efforts.
Strong winds, with gusts reaching force 7 on the Beaufort scale, have fuelled the fire’s rapid spread, making conditions on the ground extremely challenging.
Evacuations underway
The evacuation of Agia Galini and the organised removal of foreign tourists are underway after a 112 emergency alert was issued because of the large wildfire in the area.
The hotel sector in Rethymno has been placed on heightened alert, with the Rethymno Hoteliers Association assessing accommodation availability to house those evacuated, if necessary.
Speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), Michalis Christoforakis, a member of the Rethymno Hoteliers Association and a hotelier in Agia Galini, said the fire was not visible from the settlement at the time the evacuation began. He added that tourists and residents were following the instructions in the 112 alert, which directed them towards Tympaki, stressing that there was no panic.
Christoforakis estimated that around 2,000 tourists are currently in Agia Galini and said local hotels remain in constant contact with the relevant authorities, closely monitoring the fire and assisting wherever needed.
Earlier, the settlements of Krya Vrysi, Saktouria, Melampes, Agios Georgios, Agios Pavlos and Triopetra were evacuated following 112 emergency alerts issued to protect residents.
Meanwhile, according to the fire service, 29 people have so far been rescued from the sea off Agios Pavlos by coastguard lifeboats, with assistance from private vessels.
Speaking to ANA-MPA, Evangelia Glampedaki, deputy mayor for culture of the Municipality of Agios Vasileios, described the situation as “out of control”, adding that municipal services remain on full alert.
She said the municipality had already cancelled scheduled cultural events, as its top priority was ensuring the safety of residents and supporting firefighting operations.
The Rethymno Arson Crime Investigation Unit is investigating the cause of the fire.
Additional sources • ERTNEWS.GR