Two Greek Firefighters Die Battling Wildfire on Crete

Fire service pays tribute to two firefighters who died battling a forest blaze on Crete, saying they 'fell heroically in the line of duty'.Α building burns during a wildfire in Oreokastro, near Thessaloniki, Greece,July 5, 2026. Photo: EPA/ACHILLEAS CHIRAS Two firefighters have died while battling a forest fire in the Krya Vrisi area of ​​Rethymno, on the island of Crete, the Greek Fire Service announced on Wednesday. State television reported that one was a seasonal firefighter and the other was a five-year veteran. They were reportedly trapped in their vehicle in the flames. The Fire Service expressed its condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased in a statement issued on Wednesday: “They fell heroically in the line of duty to protect the lives and property of citizens and the natural environment.” The fire in Rethymno started in a forest area due to strong winds. Currently, 110 firefighters are operating on the front in six groups on the ground, with 27 vehicles, four helicopters as well as water tankers. Strong winds are blowing in the area. Emergency messages have been sent to nearby residents to evacuate their homes. The villages of Krya Vrysi, Saktouria and Melampes have already been evacuated. The Rethymno Arson Investigation Unit is investigating the causes of the fire. Wildfires have also broken out in Messinia and Laconia in the Peloponnese and on the island of Mytilene, in the North Aegean. A fire broke out on Tuesday on the island of Paros, in the Cyclades, which was brought under control – but a battle is still being fought to prevent a resurgence.