Tourists and Residents Sheltered Amid Crete Wildfire Emergency

Greek authorities have opened an indoor sports hall in Moires, Heraklion, to accommodate hundreds of tourists and residents evacuated from Agia Galini and the Agios Vasileios municipality as a major wildfire continues to burn in southern Crete. The emergency shelter was established by the Municipality of Phaistos in coordination with Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias’ ministry—following consultations with Deputy Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas—to provide safe accommodation for people forced to leave their homes and tourist lodgings. Local authorities, the Region of Crete and Civil Protection services have worked together to supply mattresses and essential relief items for evacuees arriving at the facility.

Volunteers from the Hellenic Red Cross, police officers and municipal staff are assisting those seeking shelter by providing information and essential support. According to local authorities, hundreds of tourists, particularly from Agia Galini, have already arrived at the Moires sports hall after following evacuation instructions issued by Civil Protection. Officials are also preparing to open school buildings if additional accommodation becomes necessary as the wildfire emergency continues.

Emergency accommodation platform activated The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has also activated a dedicated online platform to help people affected by the 29 July 2026 wildfire in the Municipality of Agios Vasileios secure temporary accommodation. The service, created by the Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, complements assistance already being provided by regional and local authorities. The platform enables displaced residents and visitors to apply for temporary accommodation while emergency response efforts continue.

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