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Greek firefighters fight wildfires on the island of Crete

Greek firefighters fought a fire that raged in the popular vacation destination Crete on Wednesday, burning forestland, threatening homes, and forcing the evacuation of tourists and residents from at least four settlements.

The Greek fire brigade said that at least 155 firefighters were battling the flames along the southeast coast of the largest island of Greece, in the municipality Ierapetra. They were assisted by 38 engines, water trucks and other vehicles.

The fire, which started in the afternoon was exacerbated by strong winds, which hampered efforts to fight it and reignited its fronts. The fire brigade reported that more reinforcements would be arriving by Athens via boat and plane.

The fire is still burning and is very difficult to control, a fire brigade officer said under condition of anonymity. He attributed the difficulties of the operation the strong winds as well as the terrain.

Local TV stations reported some houses had been damaged. No injuries have been reported so far. The authorities had ordered the evacuation earlier of Achlia, and three other settlements within the area. Local officials reported that 3,000 people who evacuated villages earlier were moved to temporary shelters.

Greece, located at the southernmost tip of Europe, is frequently hit by wildfires, especially during its hot, dry summers. However, authorities blame a rapidly changing climate for the more destructive fires that have occurred in recent years.

On Wednesday night, Greek firefighters also tried to control a wildfire that was raging uncontrollably in the northern Chalkidiki region and on the island Kythira. (Reporting and editing by Jamie Freed; Renee Maltezou)

(source: Reuters)