Hundreds evacuated as wildfire burns in Crete

An estimated 1,500 people have been evacuated in southeastern Crete in Greece as a major wildfire continues to burn out of control, say reports.

 

The BBC said the fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon (2 July) near the municipality of Ierapetra and flames have been fanned by gale-force winds.

 

“The flames have spread rapidly, threatening homes, tourist accommodation, and critical infrastructure, including a fuel station,” said the BBC.

 

Authorities have also ordered the mass evacuation of hotels, rental rooms and homes in the Ferma municipality, as the flames approach the area.

 

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The Telegraph reported that firefighters, backed by water-dropping planes and helicopters, are battling the blaze, which stretches over six kilometres.

 

Earlier this week in Turkey more than 50,000 people were evacuated due to wildfires in the western province of Izmir, which also forced the temporary closure of the airport.

 

The BBC noted that at least six heat-related deaths have been reported in Europe which is seeing an early summer heatwave. The latest recorded fatalities were in Spain and Italy. There were also casualties in France. 

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