Large wildfire breaks out on Greek holiday island as residents evacuated

Hundreds of firefighters have been at a large wildfire on the Greek island of Crete with one village forced to evacuate. So far this summer more than 2,000 wildfires have erupted throughout Greece and it has experienced its highest fire risk in the past two decades.

This week 222 firefighters were battling the flames in the Rethymno district of western Crete, including 32 flown in from other parts of Greece. There were no immediate reports of damage to homes or injuries, but the small village of Aghia Paraskevi was evacuated as a precaution.

Residents of three neighbouring villages were also warned to be ready to leave their homes if necessary. The fire raged through scrub and olive groves, driven on by high winds.

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Fires have been able to spread fast this summer due to tinder-dry conditions, caused by a mild, dry winter followed by a dry, hot spring. Nevertheless, an investment in more firefighting assets, including water-dropping aircraft and early warning drones, coupled with intense efforts by firefighters, has led to most blazes being extinguished within hours.

Dozens of people have been arrested or fined for accidentally starting fires, while in a small number of cases arson charges have been brought. Like other Mediterranean countries, Greece suffers from devastating wildfires every summer. Authorities say the problem has been exacerbated by unseasonably high temperatures due to climate change.

The UK Foreign Office says: “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.”

It added: “Causing a