site.btaA Joint Response to Crete Wildfire: Firefighters and Citizens Working Together

A large wildfire in the southeastern Cretan community of Ierapetra burned hundreds of ha of forests and farmland during the three days it raged last week before it was finally put down on July 5. No people were harmed but local residents and tourists had to be evacuated to prevent human loss. The fire service led the response to the wildfire, but civilian volunteers were as instrumental in containing the wildfire, volunteer Karalakis Emmanouil told BTA last last week as the flames were being subdued.

“The flames are now under control”, said Karalakis, who is a member of an Ierapetra team of volunteers called 4x4.

The fire affected worst the regions of Achlia, Agia fotia up to the border to Koutsounari region.

The strong winds, up to 6 Beaufort, were the main challenge faced by the responding teams, the volunteer told BTA. “Additional units also arrived from Athens. It was a well concerted effort, with effective coordination and everybody willing to help”, he said.
More than 150 private vehicles and vans were mobilized by citizens offering help. The 4x4 volunteer team, part of the Civil Protection Greece, consisting of around 30 trained members, had vehicles with basic firefighting equipment. Also, on Thursday around 10 arial units supported the efforts from the air.

The damage was severe, especially to the environment. He did not have exact data on damage to houses and agricultural properties. “With a few olive trees, greenhouses and agricultural houses burnt, things could be way worse for the residents”, he stated.
It is believed that the fire was caused by human negligence, but the authorities are looking into all possibilities and there is an ongoing investigation.

Many people evacuated to prevent a bigger disaster happening because of the strong winds, the 4x4 volunteer explained.

Now that the fire has been put out the people are relieved and some hotels that have been temporarily evacuated have now reopened, Karalakis Emmanouil said.