Wildfire near Kritsa settlement in Lasithi, Crete contained in 40 minutes by 48 firefighters
A wildfire that broke out on the evening of 16 August 2026 in the Kritsa area of Lasithi, Crete was brought under control in about 40 minutes, with 48 firefighters and 16 vehicles preventing the flames from reaching a nearby settlement.
Outbreak and location
A wildfire erupted in an agricultural-forest area near the settlement of Kritsa, in the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi regional unit, Crete, on the evening of Sunday 16 August 2026. The Fire Brigade's Operations Centre was notified at approximately 21:15. The area had been classified at category 4, very high risk of fire, which had prompted increased patrols in the wider region. Fire service vehicles already on dispersal in the area responded immediately.
Response and containment
The fire was brought under control in approximately 40 minutes. The rapid and effective intervention of the Fire Brigade prevented the fire front from spreading toward the residential zone. A total of 48 firefighters operated at the scene, including two foot-patrol teams from the 3rd EMODE, supported by 16 vehicles. Water tankers from the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos also assisted in the operation. Strong forces remained at the scene after the fire was delimited.
- Fire reported to the Fire Brigade Operations Centre in the Kritsa area of Lasithi, Crete
- Emergency alert 112 issued to residents in the wider area, instructing them to remain on standby
- Fire brought under control approximately 40 minutes after it broke out
Emergency alert
At 21:44, the Civil Protection authority issued an emergency 112 message to people in the wider area of the fire. The message called on residents to follow the instructions of the competent authorities and to remain on heightened alert. The alert was precautionary, as the fire had already been approaching a populated zone before it was stopped.
Investigation
The Lasithi arson-crime investigation team (Anakritiko Klimakio Antimetopisis Egklimaton Empyrismou Lasithiou) was mobilised to investigate the causes of the fire. No information on suspected cause or arrests was reported in the available articles.
