By — Thomas Adamson, Associated Press Thomas Adamson, Associated Press By — Mark Carlson, Associated Press Mark Carlson, Associated Press By — Emma Da Silva, Associated Press Emma Da Silva, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/2-firefighters-die-in-a-wildfire-on-the-southern-greek-island-of-crete Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter 2 firefighters die in a wildfire on the southern Greek island of Crete World Jul 29, 2026 11:05 AM EDT ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Two firefighters have died in a wildfire that broke out Wednesday on the southern Greek island of Crete, the fire department said. The two were among about 125 firefighters battling a wildfire in the region of Rethymno in Crete that broke out Wednesday afternoon. READ MORE: Spanish firefighters describe how 'alarming' blaze is forcing them to change tactics "They fell heroically in the line of duty to protect the lives and property of citizens and the natural environment," the department said in a written statement. Grow your mind Subscribe to our Science Newsletter to explore the wide worlds of science, health and technology. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. The flames were being fanned by strong winds in the area, which were hampering firefighting efforts. Four helicopters and four water-dropping planes were also deployed, the fire department said. The circumstances of the two deaths were not immediately clear. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Thomas Adamson, Associated Press Thomas Adamson, Associated Press By — Mark Carlson, Associated Press Mark Carlson, Associated Press By — Emma Da Silva, Associated Press Emma Da Silva, Associated Press
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Two firefighters have died in a wildfire that broke out Wednesday on the southern Greek island of Crete, the fire department said. The two were among about 125 firefighters battling a wildfire in the region of Rethymno in Crete that broke out Wednesday afternoon. READ MORE: Spanish firefighters describe how 'alarming' blaze is forcing them to change tactics "They fell heroically in the line of duty to protect the lives and property of citizens and the natural environment," the department said in a written statement. Grow your mind Subscribe to our Science Newsletter to explore the wide worlds of science, health and technology. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. The flames were being fanned by strong winds in the area, which were hampering firefighting efforts. Four helicopters and four water-dropping planes were also deployed, the fire department said. The circumstances of the two deaths were not immediately clear. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now