A massive wildfire is raging uncontrollably on three fronts in Ierapetra, Crete. The areas most affected are Achlia, Ferma, and Schinokapsala. Evacuations, hotel damage, burned homes, and vast scorched areas, including farmland, paint a tragic picture in the region. According to Mr. Giorgos Karalakis, president of the large local Agricultural Cooperative Anatoli, which produces greenhouse vegetables, the fires are burning in areas that are mainly touristic and are not characterized by crops or other fruit and vegetable facilities. Only minimal, isolated agricultural damages have been reported. Specifically, damage has been confirmed in only two greenhouses.
Photo Credit: Στέφανος Ραπάνης (Stefanos Rapanis) - Cretalive
However, there is growing concern about how the situation may develop, as the fires remain uncontrolled, winds change directions constantly, and there is fear that, as in the past, they may only be extinguished once they reach the sea. Mr. Thanasis Souravlis, a tomato grower from Ierapetra, states that so far, the only crops destroyed are olive groves. He adds, however, that there is no clear picture of the fate of other nearby farms, as the fire appears to have overwhelmed the firefighting forces, and the priority is currently on saving homes and human lives.
According to the Fire Department, it is a difficult blaze to contain due to strong and shifting winds that are hampering firefighting efforts. The settlements of Agia Fotia, Achlia, Galini, Ferma, and Koutsounari have been evacuated, with approximately 1.500 people (permanent residents and tourists) having been relocated by last night, while smoke from the fire has spread over the sea near Makry Gialos. Many people who were on the beach were evacuated by boats and other vessels.
The Municipality of Ierapetra has opened the city's Indoor Sports Hall to shelter residents and visitors evacuated from threatened areas.