Greece Forest Fires (July 2025)

At the beginning of July 2025, widespread forest fires broke out in various regions of Greece. These fires particularly affected the regions of Lasithi and Ierapetra on the island of Crete, as well as Rethymno, Halkidiki, Oreokastro, Serres and Rafina near Athens. High temperatures strong winds and dry weather conditions accelerated the spread of the fires. Several areas across the country were evacuated and settlements agricultural lands and tourist facilities suffered damage.

Forest Fire Suppression Operations on the Island of Crete Greece 3 July 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Fire on the Island of Crete

A large-scale forest fire began on 2 July 2025 near the town of Ierapetra in the Lasithi region of the island of Crete. The fire affected forested and agricultural areas and rapidly spread out of control reaching residential zones. The region experienced a heatwave and strong winds. Wind speeds were reported to have reached up to 9 on the Beaufort scale at times.

As a result of the fire four settlements in the Ierapetra area were evacuated. Approximately 1 500 people were relocated for safety reasons. Among those evacuated were both local residents and tourists. Some displaced individuals were housed in a covered sports arena in Ierapetra while others were transported by bus to the areas of Malya and Hersonissos. It was also reported that some people were evacuated by sea.

For firefighting operations 230 firefighters 46 fire vehicles 13 foot teams 10 helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles were deployed. Reinforcement teams were also sent from mainland Greece. Operations by ground units were occasionally hampered by difficult terrain and heavy smoke. The fire spread rapidly affecting both forested areas and agricultural land particularly olive groves. Heavy machinery water tankers and military support units contributed to firefighting efforts.

In the settlement of Agia Fotia in the Lasithi region some homes businesses and a fuel station were damaged. It was reported that several tourist accommodation facilities also suffered damage. Police assistance was required to evacuate some residents who refused to leave their homes. At least three people affected by the fire were hospitalized due to respiratory problems. Some elderly individuals were also taken to hospitals.

Forest Fire Suppression Operations on the Island of Crete Greece 3 July 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Fires in Halkidiki Serres and Oreokastro

A large-scale forest fire began on 2 July 2025 in the Halkidiki region of the Thessaloniki prefecture particularly around the settlement of Nikiti. The fire spread into remote forested areas dominated by pine trees. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection issued an emergency message urging residents in the area to evacuate Nikiti. A nearby campsite was also evacuated. Firefighting efforts were conducted both from the air and ground and access roads were closed to traffic.

A fire that started on 1 July 2025 in the Oreokastro region near Thessaloniki affected forested land. Firefighters and volunteers conducted aerial and ground interventions. Authorities advised local residents to remain vigilant and comply with official warnings regarding fire risks.

In the city of Serres a fire broke out at a lumber mill in the Neo Suli area and quickly spread to nearby forested land. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection warned the public to exercise caution. It was reported that surrounding agricultural areas were also affected during firefighting operations.

Rafina Fire (Attica Region)

A forest fire broke out on 3 July 2025 in the Rafina area near the capital Athens. The fire started in vineyards near Marathona Boulevard. It spread past the Kalitechoupoli traffic lights reaching areas near Arionos Street.

Ninety firefighters fifteen fire vehicles six foot teams two aircraft and three helicopters responded to the fire. Local municipal water tankers also supported suppression efforts. Traffic on Marathona Boulevard toward Athens was closed.

Through an emergency 112 message sent by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection residents in the Rafina areas of Agia Kyriaki Etos Steko and Imeros Pefkos were warned and instructed to evacuate toward the Artemis Stadium. Evacuations were carried out in an orderly manner.

Fires in Other Regions

Evacuations were also carried out in several villages outside Ierapetra in the Lasithi region of Crete. Multiple fire hotspots emerged across the region and firefighting teams responded to each. Access difficulties arose due to the rugged terrain.

In Western Thrace a fire that broke out in a forested area near the province of Komotini was brought under control through aerial and ground interventions by firefighters. The spread of the fire to residential areas was prevented.

Investigations and Official Warnings

Investigations have been launched into the causes of the fires in Crete and Halkidiki. The Fire Service’s Special Unit for Arson Investigations has begun examining the origin points of the fires in Ierapetra and Chalkidiki. No official determination has yet been made as to whether the fires were caused by natural factors or human activity.

Through emergency text messages sent to citizens’ mobile phones the General Secretariat for Civil Protection urged the public to remain cautious regarding fire risks and to comply with evacuation orders. Authorities emphasized that open fires must not be lit in forested areas and that potentially hazardous activities must be avoided.