Published | July 30 2026

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Three firefighters lost their lives while battling wildfires in Greece on Wednesday, as strong winds fueled new blazes across the country.

According to a statement from the fire department, they “fell heroically in the line of duty, protecting citizens’ lives, property, and the natural environment.” The fire department leadership expressed “deep sorrow and sincere condolences to their families and loved ones.”

A total of 156 firefighters were deployed to extinguish a fire that broke out near Rethymno on Wednesday afternoon. They were supported by eight ground teams, 33 fire engines, four helicopters, and four aircraft carrying out aerial firefighting operations. Water tankers and heavy machinery from the Municipality of Agios Vasileios were also assisting the fire department. Strong winds—gusting up to Force 7 on the Beaufort scale—fueled the rapid spread of the blaze, making ground conditions extremely challenging.

Evacuations Underway

Authorities issued a 112 emergency alert due to a massive wildfire in the area, and evacuations of Agia Galini were underway, including the orderly relocation of foreign tourists. The Rethymno hotel industry has been placed on high alert, with the Rethymno Hoteliers Association assessing accommodation availability to house evacuees if necessary.

Michalis Christoforakis, a hotelier in Agia Galini and member of the Rethymno Hoteliers Association, told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency that at the time the evacuation began, the fire was not yet visible from the settlement. He added that tourists and residents were following instructions from the 112 alert—which directed them to Tympaki—and stressed that there was no panic on the ground. Christoforakis estimated that around 2,000 tourists were currently in Agia Galini and said local hotels had been in constant contact with relevant authorities, closely monitoring the situation and offering assistance where needed.

Earlier, settlements including Kria Vrysi, Saktouria, Melambes, Agios Georgios, Agios Pavlos, and Triopetra had been evacuated following 112 emergency alerts issued to protect residents. Meanwhile, according to the fire department, 29 people have so far been rescued from the sea near Agios Pavlos by coast guard lifeboats, with assistance from private vessels.

Evangelia Grampetaki, Deputy Mayor for Culture of the Municipality of Agios Vasileios, told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency that the situation had “gotten out of hand” and added that municipal services remained on full alert. She said the municipality had canceled scheduled cultural events, as its top priority was ensuring resident safety and supporting firefighting operations. The Rethymno Arson Crime Unit is investigating the cause of the fire.