STORY: Greek firefighters on Wednesday (July 2) battled a blaze that raged on the popular vacation destination of Crete, burning forest land, threatening homes and prompting the evacuation of residents and tourists from at least four settlements on the island.

At least 155 firefighters, assisted by 38 engines and water trucks, battled the flames in the municipality of Ierapetra at the southeastern coast of the country's largest island, the Greek fire brigade service said.

The blaze, which broke out in the afternoon, was charged by gale force winds that hindered firefighting efforts and rekindled its fronts. More reinforcements were on their way by boat and aircraft from Athens, the fire brigade said.

Local TV stations reported that some homes had been damaged. So far, there were no reports of injuries.

Greece, situated at Europe's southernmost tip, is often hit by wildfires during its hot and dry summers but authorities have blamed a fast-changing climate for fuelling more destructive blazes in recent years.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: FLAMES AND PLUMES OF SMOKE RISING ABOVE FOREST IN CRETE / FIREFIGHTERS AT SCENE

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: IERAPETRA, CRETE, GREECE (JULY 2, 2025) (REUTERS - Access all) (NIGHT SHOTS)

1. VARIOUS OF HILL ON FIRE, TREES BURNING, PLUMES OF SMOKE

2. VIEW OF ROAD, HILL ON FIRE IN DISTANCE

3. FOREST ON FIRE

4. VARIOUS OF EMERGENCY AND FIREFIGHTERS VEHICLES ON STREET, FIRE GLOWING IN BACKGROUND

5. FOREST ON FIRE

6. EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND CARS ON STREET

7. FOREST ON FIRE

8. VARIOUS OF EMERGENCY VEHICLES ON STREET

9. VARIOUS OF FIREFIGHTERS BESIDE FIRE TRUCK

10. VEHICLES PASSING