FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The island of Crete in Greece has been 'overrun' by massive fires this Saturday, forcing many families to abandon their homes. The Greek firefighting forces clarify that the reason for the rapid spread of the fire on the island was the strong winds.
The fire broke out in the early hours of today and was spread by strong winds on the slopes of the mountain forest east of the coastal city of Ierapetra.
Authorities ordered the evacuation of residents living in the villages of Achlia, Galini, Agia Fotia and Mavros Kolimpos after the fire engulfed several houses.
"The fire has been brought down significantly after the efforts of hundreds of firefighters," a fire service official told Reuters.
Earlier in the day, a firefighter and a local resident were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
About 150 firefighters were battling the blaze in the forest, assisted by three helicopters.
The Civil Defense Ministry has put authorities on alert because of strong winds expected in the coming days and after dozens of smaller forest fires broke out on Saturday.
Fires are common in the Mediterranean nation. Last year a wildfire in northeastern Greece for 11 days destroyed an area larger than New York City and killed 20 people.
Lini një Përgjigje