Crete Locals

Firefighters battle blaze in low vegetation near Zoniana, Crete

· By CreteLocals Editorial Team
Firefighters battle blaze in low vegetation near Zoniana, Crete

A fire broke out in low vegetation near Zoniana, in the Mylopotamos area of Crete, at around 11:45 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, prompting a response from ground and air firefighting units.

The fire service mobilized 21 firefighters, including a ground team from the 3rd Special Firefighting Force (EMODE), along with seven vehicles to contain the blaze. One helicopter was deployed for aerial firefighting.

The Municipality of Mylopotamos assisted the operation with water tanker trucks. The area had been rated at high risk of wildfire (category 3) on the day the fire started, according to the fire service’s wildfire risk assessment for Friday, which coincided with clear, dry conditions and temperatures reaching 34°C across the island.

Investigation launched

Rethymno’s Arson Investigation Unit has been mobilized to determine the cause of the fire. No injuries or property damage have been reported as of the time of writing.

Latest News

Chania's 12th Mikis Theodorakis Festival runs August 31 to September 3, 2026Chania’s 12th Mikis Theodorakis Festival runs August 31 to September 3, 2026Chania hosts the 12th Mikis Theodorakis Festival from August 31 to September 3, 2026, marking 100+1 years since the composer's birth.Seven Cretan dishes born of scarcity now rank among the island's culinary treasures, CretaOne reportsSeven Cretan dishes born of scarcity now rank among the island’s culinary treasures, CretaOne reportsCretaOne traces seven Cretan dishes, from dakos to hortopita, that older generations created from whatever was available at home.Preveli's palm forest could turn green again within two to three years, botanist saysPreveli’s palm forest could turn green again within two to three years, botanist saysA botanist at the Natural History Museum of Crete says Preveli's fire-damaged palm forest could recover within two to three years if…OFI beats CSKA Sofia 3-0 in Europa League play-off first legOFI beats CSKA Sofia 3-0 in Europa League play-off first legOFI beat CSKA Sofia 3-0 at Pankritio Stadium in the first leg of a Europa League qualifying play-off, with two goals from…Crete's modern roads often trace routes used since antiquity, CretaOne reportsCrete’s modern roads often trace routes used since antiquity, CretaOne reportsCretaOne reports that some of Crete's modern roads follow travel corridors used by people and goods for thousands of years, long before…Fossils show Crete once hosted dwarf elephants and hippos, no longer found on the islandFossils show Crete once hosted dwarf elephants and hippos, no longer found on the islandFossil finds in Crete reveal a Pleistocene-era fauna that included dwarf elephants, extinct hippos and distinctive deer, unlike the island's wildlife today.Crete tourism sets high arrival numbers but visitor spending grows more cautious, analysis findsCrete tourism sets high arrival numbers but visitor spending grows more cautious, analysis findsCrete drew about 6.35 million visits and €4.34 billion in travel receipts in 2025, but an analysis says spending patterns are shifting.Crete forecast: clear skies, temperatures reach 34°C on Friday, August 21Crete forecast: clear skies, temperatures reach 34°C on Friday, August 21Greece's National Meteorological Service forecasts clear skies over Crete on Friday, August 21, with highs up to 34°C and winds up to…Crete rated high wildfire risk for Friday, August 21, fire service map showsCrete rated high wildfire risk for Friday, August 21, fire service map showsGreece's Fire Brigade lists Crete among regions facing category 3 wildfire risk on Friday, August 21, 2026.Lasithi Plateau approves study for tourist train to Diktaion CaveLasithi Plateau approves study for tourist train to Diktaion CaveLasithi Plateau's mayor says a study for a tourist train linking a planned Psychro parking area to the Diktaion Cave has been…

© All rights reserved. Crete Locals