A village on the Greek island of Crete has been evacuated and others prepare as hundreds of firefighters combated a large wildfire late Wednesday.
According to Associated Press, the fire forced authorities to evacuate the village as more than 200 firefighters were battling the flames in the Rethymno district of western Crete.
The fire service said 222 firefighters were on task including 32 flown in from other parts of Greece.
There were no immediate reports of damages or injuries but the village of Agia Paraskevi was evacuated as a precaution.
Three neighbouring villages were also warned to be prepared to leave if needed.
Kathimerini reported that a total of 29 wildfires broke out
Wednesday across agroforest land in Greece, and that the fire in Rethymno expanded to three fronts. Authorities have said this year carries the highest fire risk in the past 20 years, following what was a mild, dry winter and dry, hot spring, leaving vegetation to dry up.
Most fires across Greece have been extinguished within hours with more investment and precaution this year.
