Crete fires: 1500 people evacuated as fast-moving blaze threatens popular Greece tourist destination

Fast-spreading wildfires in Greece have damaged homes and triggered mass evacuations, with authorities saying they “cannot contain” the blaze.

The fire at popular tourist destination Crete broke out on Wednesday afternoon and was quickly was fanned by gale force winds.

Homes were damaged as flames rushed through hillside forests, lighting up the night sky and sending plumes of ash into the air.

More than 1500 people have been evacuated, with 200 moved to shelter in an indoor sports arena.

The fire now stretches over 6km according to emergency services.

More than 150 firefighters and 38 engines and water trucks were deployed, according to the Greek fire brigade service. More services are on the way.

Nektarios Papadakis, a civil protection official, told Associated Press the fire was a “difficult situation” and “is very hard to contain”.

“Right now they cannot contain it,” Mr Papadakis said.

“The tourists who were moved out are all okay. They have been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other regions of the island.”

The smoke travelled as far as Makry Gialos beach, more than 10km from the origin of the fire in Achlia.

Three sites were ordered to evacuate in the island’s south coast.

Localised mobile phone evacuation alerts were sent out to residents.

Firefighters were also called to a blaze on the island of Kythira and another in the northern region of Halkidiki.

There are no reports of serious injuries, but some residents were treated for breathing difficulties.

All hospitals in Crete have been placed on alert as the situation develops.

The fire comes amid a deadly heatwave across Europe and follows several wildfires in Spain’s Catalonia region.

Greece had been on high wildfire alert since late last week and a fire had already swept through the coastal towns of Palaia Fokaia and Thymari near Athens.

— with AP