All flames were extinguished along the fire fronts in Apodoulos, Platanos and Vathiako in Rethymno, Crete on Friday after more than 300 firefigthers battled the blaze throughout the night.
Firefighting aircraft were also deployed at first light, with four water dropping helicopters remaining in the area in case of rekindling.
Hundreds of hectares were burned, mostly of olive groves and agricultural land, the mayor of Amari Pantelis Mourtzanos told Athens-Macedonian News Agency, with the result that the agricultural economy of the residents and the municipality has been greatly affected. He also said that he will request during the day that the municipality be declared fire striken, so that the procedures for assisting those affected and repairing the damage can begin immediately. The damage concerns, among others, the water supply, electricity and irrigation networks.
The residents of nine villages and settlements that were evacuated on Thursday, have returned to their houses and are trying to organise their lives on a new basis, since all the inhabitants are engaged in agriculture and cattle breeding.
The head of civil protection for the Rethymno regional unit, Michalis Sarris, was optimistic about the coming day, while noting in statements to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency that this had been greatest battle against fire in the region of Rethymno in recent years.
None of the things that happened, he said, could have been predicted, with the wind moving in different directions all the time and creating new outbreaks out of nowhere. The battle by everyone in the field was emblematic, Sarris said, thanking citizens, volunteers and firefighters for their dedication to their mission.
San Marino participated in the 2025 Greek Shipping Awards, one of the most prestigious international events in the maritime sector, celebrating excellence, innovation, and global leadership.
