On April 6, Greek authorities ordered the evacuation of four residential areas on the island of Crete as a wildfire spread out of control in the area.
Strong winds have fanned the flames along the forested slopes east of the coastal town of Ierapetra. Authorities have ordered the evacuation of the Achlia, Galini, Agia Fotia and Mavros Kolimpos neighborhoods, home to about 300 people. So far, 120 firefighters have been deployed to contain the blaze, with the help of two helicopters.
Wildfires are common in the Mediterranean country during the summer. However, the Greek government says extremely dry, windy and hot weather conditions linked to climate change have made them worse in recent years. Last year, a wildfire in northeastern Greece burned for 11 days, killing 20 people and destroying large areas.