press releases
U.S. Navy Twice Assists Greek Firefighters
Athens (September 3, 2007) -- Twice this summer, the Governor’s Office of Chania asked for U.S. Navy assistance to extinguish brush fires in western Crete, on July 30 and August 23. On both occasions, American firefighters successfully battled flames alongside Greek firefighters.
On August 23, around Lakki, Crete, a team of six civilian American firefighters and two U.S. Navy sailors worked with a large number of local Greek fire departments, including a contingent of Hellenic Navy firefighters.
“The fire was approximately 2,000 acres [8,000 stremata] and was threatening to get into the village,” said Todd McKinzie, captain of Souda Bay Emergency Services. In addition to two American emergency vehicles, there were about 30 other fire engines from all over Crete battling the flames around Lakki.
The American civilian and military firefighting team helped contain this brush fire throughout the night, and returned to the U.S. Navy base the next morning. “As firefighters, that’s what we’re here for,” said McKinzie, “to help prevent loss of life and property.”
For more news from U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, visit
www.news.navy.mil/local/soudabay/ or telephone Mr. Paul Farley, Souda Bay Public Affairs Officer, at 28210-21244.