Severe wildfires ravage Greece amid extreme winds

Multiple wildfires erupted across Greece on July 30 and 31, 2026, causing widespread destruction and fatalities. In Rethymno, Crete, massive fires in the Asomatos and Agia Paraskevi areas forced the evacuation of at least 59 individuals by sea near Preveli beach. While initial reports claimed 80% destruction of the historic Preveli palm forest, subsequent updates indicated that the forest and monastery were largely spared. The tragedy was compounded by the loss of three firefighters who died in the line of duty during the operations in Rethymno and Gytheio.

Firefighting efforts, involving over 224 personnel in Rethymno alone, have been severely hampered by gale-force winds reaching up to 12 Beaufort, which prevented aerial support and caused constant flare-ups. Beyond Crete, active fires have spread to Paros, Andros, Kalymnos, Achaia, and Boeotia. Authorities issued multiple 112 emergency alerts for evacuations, including in the settlements of Xironomi and Floka. The government remains on high alert as emergency crews continue to combat more than 20 simultaneous fire fronts under critical weather conditions.