As fierce wildfires engulf Crete, over 200 firefighters battle flames fueled by 50 mph winds, leading to the evacuation of around 5,000 people from hotels and villages on the popular island.

The raging wildfire, which erupted near Ierapetra, has turned vacation dreams into evacuation nightmares, as authorities scramble to relocate thousands of tourists and residents from affected hotspots. With winds that could give a hurricane a run for its money, the blaze has split into three menacing fronts, prompting a swift response of over 230 firefighters and a fleet of helicopters. As Crete's summer vacation vibe takes a fiery turn, emergency shelters are filling up, and local hospitals brace for smoky inhalation mishaps—even if things don't get too out of breath.

The fire, which broke out Wednesday afternoon, immediately put a damper on the sun-soaked holiday atmosphere. Various authorities registered complaints about the unexpected transition from beach lounging to evacuation announcements. It's an ironic twist of fate that no one expected when planning a vacation in the Mediterranean sun, unless 'wildfire evacuation' was one of the activities highlighted in the travel brochure.

Evacuations were ordered from several locations, including hotels and residents' homes in the villages of Ferma, Katharades, Koutsounari, and Kakia Skala. While local residents might be fine with a little 'surprise adventure,' guests at the holiday resorts surely did not anticipate being part of a forced exodus. In what might be a new travel trend, reports vary on the number of evacuees—official news agency ERT cites around 1,500 evacuated, with local journalist Giorgos Tzarakis claiming the figure could be as high as 5,000. That’s one way to spice up an all-inclusive vacation.

As authorities attempt to manage the fallout, one thing is certain: eating a warm meal in an emergency shelter doesn’t quite compare to a romantic dinner by the sea. Evacuated individuals have been moved to a sports venue in Ierapetra, likely celebrating the unexpected opportunity to bond with fellow tourists over the experience of fleeing flames instead of indulging in local cuisine. Tourists were also relocated to an indoor basketball arena, which has now seen more action off the court than it ever does during the off-season.

While the firefighters confront the wild blaze with admirable courage, their task is complicated by the gale-force winds that have transformed a manageable fire into an uncontrollable inferno. These winds, racing at around 50 miles per hour, are doing their best impersonation of Mother Nature’s personal fan, lending the fire a flair that few could appreciate. The fire has continued to breathe life into itself with three active fronts: Achlia, Ferma, and Skinokapsala, each one competing for attention and desperately seeking recognition as the hottest spot on the island.

Emergency response teams have deployed all possible resources to combat the flames, counting on the support of ten water-dropping helicopters to provide aerial assistance. As the helicopters soar overhead, one can imagine firefighters on the ground engaging in a spirited debate about water vs. fire extinguishers—the ultimate showdown for hydro supremacy. While it may not be an Olympic sport, it certainly has the makings of a gripping documentary.

Hospitals across Crete have been placed on alert as a precaution, ready to treat what are, as of now, relatively minor cases of breathing difficulties reported among a few residents due to smoke inhalation. No serious injuries have emerged from this fiery frenzy, suggesting that perhaps enough sunblock could double as a buffer against smoke—although that’s a strategy best left untested.

The increase in wildfires across Europe, particularly in Greece during the peak of summer, is largely attributed to human-induced climate change. The annual fire season, peaking in July, consistently reminds locals and tourists alike that while summer sun is a gift, too much of it coupled with strong winds can result in a not-so-great day on the beach. As such, as summer revelers revel in the heat, they might consider brushing up on their emergency preparedness just in case the flames decide to crash their vacation.

As the sun sets and winds howling persist, locals and tourists alike hope for a swift resolution to the fire crisis, and maybe a return to leisurely beach days and evenings filled with sunset cocktails. Until then, the island's new attraction seems to be participating in an evacuation exercise that no one signed up for. If nothing else, it’s a story for the ages—surely to be recounted around campfires (that is, assuming they’re not lit by the locals anytime soon).