On the largest Greek island of Crete, a forest fire is rapidly spreading, which threatens inhabited areas and has already forced the evacuation of residents and tourists from at least four cities. TASR informs about this on Thursday’s reports Reuters and AP.
To the fight against flames in the town of Irapetra on the southeastern coast of Crete was At least 155 firefighters, which were also helped by 38 fire extinguishers. The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon and spread through the strong wind, which complicated the firefighters. The Greek Fire Brigade announced that there are also reinforcements with Athens on the road.
“It’s a very problematic and persistent fire,” He told Reuters an unnamed fire brigade member. Local TV stations have informed that Several houses have been damaged in the area. Several people have been treated by health professionals for breathing problems, but have not yet reported any serious injuries in the area.
The evacuation was ordered by the authorities of the residents and tourists from the small resort of Achlia and three other places in the area. Approximately 3,000 evacuated were transferred to temporary shelters, including a basketball stadium or hotels in other parts of the island. In addition, Greek firefighters fought with other forest fires on the island of Kythira and the Chalkidiki Peninsula on Wednesday night.
