Wildfire in Crete prompts evacuation of Karydi as 46 firefighters respond

Outbreak in the Chonos area

A wildfire broke out on the afternoon of Sunday, 20 September 2026, in the Lasithi regional unit on the island of Crete. The fire ignited in an area of low vegetation within the municipal unit of Chonos, located in the municipality of Sitia. Emergency services recorded the start of the blaze at approximately 14:30. The fire originated near the settlement of Rousa Ekklisia, specifically in the vicinity of local wind turbines installed on the ridges. Smoke from the burning low scrub and brush was visible across parts of eastern Crete shortly after ignition. Local emergency personnel and municipal authorities initiated immediate coordination as the blaze expanded across the uncultivated land.

Adverse weather and terrain challenges

Firefighters arriving at the scene faced difficult environmental conditions across the Chonos sector. Strong winds blowing across eastern Crete throughout Sunday accelerated the movement of the flames through dry low vegetation. In addition to high winds, the geographic location presented substantial logistical obstacles for ground vehicles attempting to reach the active front. The fire ignited in a rugged, steep area classified by emergency responders as difficult to access. These combined factors hindered direct vehicular approach to the flame front, prompting fire commanders to request immediate aerial support and specialized foot units to tackle the perimeter.

Emergency alert and evacuation order

As the fire moved across the landscape, the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection issued an urgent alert through the national 112 emergency telephone system. The automated evacuation message was dispatched to mobile devices in the region between 16:43 and 17:00 local time. The notification ordered the precautionary removal of all individuals located in the broader area of the Karydi settlement. Residents and visitors in Karydi were directed to evacuate the settlement and travel towards Zakros to maintain safe distance from the fire front.

“If you are in the Karydi area of the Lasithi Regional Unit, move away towards Zakros. Follow the instructions of the authorities.”

Authorities instructed those in the evacuation zone to adhere strictly to instructions issued by civil protection personnel and police officers managing local movement.

Mobilization and aerial response

The Hellenic Fire Service initially deployed a contingent of 31 firefighters, accompanied by nine fire engines and two aerial firefighting helicopters. The initial ground response also included two dedicated foot crews from the 3rd Special Forestry Operations Unit (EMODE), who were tasked with navigating the rugged terrain on foot. As conditions worsened and the fire continued to spread, operational commanders reinforced the deployment. The force expanded to 46 firefighters operating with 15 fire trucks and three helicopters. Auxiliary water tankers supplied by the Municipality of Sitia and local government organizations (OTA) joined the operation to provide continuous water replenishment to the front lines. Ground and aerial crews concentrated their efforts on containing the flames around the wind turbines and preventing further progression toward populated settlements.

Initial firefighters31

Reinforced firefighters46

Initial vehicles9

Reinforced vehicles15

Initial helicopters2

Reinforced helicopters3

Initial firefighters

31

Reinforced firefighters

46

Initial vehicles

9

Reinforced vehicles

15

Initial helicopters

2

Reinforced helicopters

3

Data from the article text