Major warehouse fire in Heraklion, Crete

A large fire broke out around 15:00 on June 25 at a warehouse in the Agios Ioannis Chostos area of Heraklion, Crete. Reports describe the site as either a lumber warehouse or a facility for paper and hotel goods, with flames spreading to nearby residential buildings. Authorities dispatched significant forces, including dozens of firefighters, special vehicles, and an aerial helicopter, to combat the blaze. Residents received an emergency 112 alert at 15:33, instructing them to remain indoors with doors and windows closed due to thick smoke. The situation was exacerbated by flammable materials and strong winds, while drone surveillance and thermal imaging were used for coordination. An arson investigation unit is currently on-site to determine the causes of the fire, which caused significant damage to the initial structure. There are no confirmed reports of injuries despite some accounts of a minor explosion. Deputy Mayor for Civil Protection Giorgos Karantinos confirmed that the operation remained ongoing as of the latest reports.