A large fire is currently burning at a lumber storage facility near Agios Giannis Chostos, within the urban area in the southwestern part of the city of Heraklion Crete.
The fire quickly spread due to the flammable material, with the flames extending to adjacent houses.
The work of the fire department is being hampered by strong winds, while fire trucks are also having difficulty accessing the area, due to narrow roads, as reported by creta.24
The fire broke out under circumstances that remain unknown as of now earlier today at noon (June 25), on pallets at the factory.
Firefighting operations are in full swing, and a large contingent of firefighters has rushed to the scene.
According to the Fire Department, the firefighting operation initially involved 8 vehicles, 32 firefighters, and 1 helicopter; shortly after 4:00 p.m., reinforcements arrived, and the operation now involves 75 firefighters, including 1 foot patrol team from the 3rd EMODE, the Special HBRP & TA Team of the 3rd EMAK, the “IKAROS” Special Operations Team, 15 vehicles and a specialized crane truck, as well as 1 helicopter.
The fire is reported to have spread to residential areas, with reports indicating that homes have been engulfed in flames. Firefighters are battling to contain the fire front and prevent it from spreading further.
Due to the seriousness of the incident, the 112 emergency number was activated, and an alert message was sent to citizens’ cell phones.
