Two firefighters lost their lives in a major wildfire that broke out around midday in Krya Vrysi, Rethymno. The victims were a seasonal firefighter and a firefighter serving on a five-year contract. According to initial reports from local media, they became trapped in the flames along with their vehicle under circumstances that remain unclear.
“Today is an exceptionally difficult day for the Fire Service,” the fire brigade said in a statement. “During an operation to extinguish the wildfire in the rural and forested area of Krya Vrysi, Rethymno, two firefighters lost their lives. They fell heroically in the line of duty while protecting the lives and property of citizens, as well as the natural environment.”
Earlier, the Fire Service Operations Centre described the blaze as “extremely dangerous” and said it was “still raging out of control.”
The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds. “There are homes within the affected area, which is why a 112 emergency alert was issued ordering the evacuation of nearby settlements,” a Fire Service representative told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency.
So far, four settlements—Krya Vrysi, Saktouria, Melambes and Triopetra—have been evacuated following a series of alerts issued through the 112 emergency service. A total of 125 firefighters, six ground teams, 27 fire engines, four helicopters and four aircraft are taking part in the operation, assisted by water tankers from the Municipality of Agios Vasileios.
Sources: Athens-Macedonian News Agency, ΕΡΤnews, Κathimerini
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