Crete wildfire near Meldichori and Monofatsi contained after intense firefighting

A large wildfire broke out at midday on Wednesday, 15 April, in the Meldichori area of the municipality of Archanon Astreousion, Crete. Strong winds reaching up to 8 Beaufort spread the fire across a front of at least four kilometres, threatening olive groves, farms and livestock in the nearby villages of Monofatsi, Gena and Laraní.

Firefighters from the mainland and air units deployed eleven aircraft, while ground crews, volunteers and local water resources worked to contain the blaze. Police directed traffic and assisted the effort. Two municipal wells were destroyed and significant damage to crops and animal stock is expected, though exact losses will be assessed in the coming days. By about 21:00 the fire was fully bounded and no active front remained; however, ground teams stayed on site through the night to guard against re‑ignition.