
A massive three-front wildfire on the popular holiday island of Rhodes was burning for a sixth straight day in the central and southeast part of the large isle, despite the intense efforts of hundreds of fire-fighters, emergency crews and volunteers.
The blaze has caused the evacuation of thousands of tourists and local residents, with the flames reaching several coastal hotels and resorts and surrounding inland villages. Images of the inferno were broadcast around the world, with the wildfire leading off the newscasts of several international media outlets.
A heatwave in the eastern Mediterranean, affecting much of Greece, along with arid soil conditions, has caused a high alert in much of the country for wildfire risks.
Water-dropping aircraft began operating at dawn on Sunday, while evacuated people were being hosted in gymnasiums, available hotel rooms and other lodgings. Many of the evacuees, roughly 2,500, were taken off beaches by private tour boats and coast guard vessels.
The calamity is accompanied by power outages and loss of mobile phone service in parts of the island, due to burned power pylons and cell sites in affected areas.
In terms of only fire brigade forces battling the blazes, 266 fire-fighters in the field were using 49 fire trucks and related vehicles, and aided by five water-dropping helicopters and 10 fixed-winged aircraft. Another 10 vehicles with 60 fire brigade personnel were in transit to the island, which lies in the southeast Aegean.
Back in Athens, during a daily press briefing, fire brigade spokesman Yiannis Artopios said the blaze was caused by “human intervention”, with an ongoing preliminary investigation collecting evidence and issuing summonses for statements.
“Fires are the result of human intervention, what’s under review is whether this is due to negligence or intent,” he said.


Latest News

Chevron Confirms Eyeing Natural Gas Exploration South of Crete
Chevron recently declared its intent to explore a third area, south of the Peloponnese.

Evangelos Marinakis: A time of change from which shipping can benefit
Speaking at the 19th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum Evangelos Marinakis stressed the challenges that shipping faces today

Retail Trade in Greece Up 2.5% in December 2024: ELSTAT
In January 2025, the General Turnover Index recorded a 2.5% increase compared to January 2024. Compared to December 2024, it recorded a significant decline of 18.4%

Greek Fruit and Vegetable Exports Surge
Greek exporters have expressed concerns over a new draft law in Bulgaria that mandates at least 50% of products in stores to be of Bulgarian origin.

Trump Tower in Greece? Speculation Grows Over Potential Investment
In 2007, the Trump Organization explored the possibility of constructing a skyscraper complex and casino at the former Ellinikon Airport site in Athens

Was Aristidis Alafouzos, CEO of Okeanis Eco Tankers, cheering over extra earnings from carrying ‘sanctioned’ Russian oil?
Okeanis CEO Aristidis Alafouzos tried to give assurances that the company was not carrying sanctioned Russian oil - Recently published data point to the opposite

Tax Filing in Greece Surpasses Expectations
Taxpayers who submit their returns by April 30 will benefit from an increased tax discount of 4% if they opt for a lump-sum payment by July 31, 2025

Evangelos Marinakis: Proud of Diaspora Greeks, ‘Who’re All Together, United’
Marinakis, an Honorary Grand Marshal of the 86th Greek Independence Parade on Sunday, was touched by his contacts in New York City with members of the Greek-American community, where he spoke fondly of the Diaspora: ‘Twice as Greek, Twice over as Olympiacos fans'

Stirring 86th Greek Independence Day Parade Down 5th Ave. Evangelos Marinakis an Honorary Grand Marshal
According to NYPD sources, the 2025 parade is expected to be one of the biggest in recent memory, with some 120 groups with 52 floats and 15 marching bands paraded from 64th to 79th streets along renowned Fifth Avenue

PM Mitsotakis Highlights Chevron’s Interest in Greek EEZ in Weekly Review
“The interest from Chevron is important because a leading American multinational chooses to invest in Greek maritime plots, thus practically recognizing Greece's EEZ in the area,” the prime minister said.