In Crete, Greece, thousands of people, including many foreign tourists, have been evacuated due to a large wildfire on the eastern part of the island that is proving difficult to control.

According to reports from "European Truth", as mentioned by Ekathimerini.

The fire broke out in the area between the towns of Ferma, Achlia, and Agia Fotia. The flames are spreading due to strong winds, complicating firefighting efforts – according to fire service data, the blaze has split into three main fronts.

Fire service spokesperson Yiannis Vatrakogiannis reported that significant forces are working in the area to combat numerous fire outbreaks. "Wind gusts reaching 9 on the Beaufort scale are continuously creating new hotspots, making it very challenging for firefighters", he emphasized.

There are currently 230 firefighters on site, along with 46 fire engines, 10 helicopters, water tankers, municipal engineering equipment, and drones. Police, coast guard, and ambulance services have also been deployed.

As per the order of the fire chief, special investigation teams are looking into the causes of the ignition.

George Tsarakis, head of the hoteliers' association of Ierapetra and southeastern Crete, stated that around 5,000 people have been evacuated from the area, mostly foreign tourists staying in hotels.

During the night leading to Thursday, some vacationers were accommodated in hotels in neighboring regions, while others were placed in the Ierapetra sports hall, which was opened as a temporary shelter.

As of now, three individuals with respiratory issues, two with minor injuries, and one person with limited mobility have been hospitalized in Ierapetra.

The firefighting operation is ongoing, with additional forces arriving from Athens.

Due to the fire, many areas experienced power outages and mobile communication disruptions throughout the night. It is currently unknown how many homes have been destroyed as a result of the fire.