Athens : A wildfire whipped by gale-force winds burned through the night and into Greece’s southern island of Crete, prompting the evacuation of more than 1,500 people from homes and hotels.
The fire department said 230 firefighters backed up by 10 water-dropping aircraft were battling the flames.
Two people were evacuated by boat overnight, while six private boats were on standby in case further evacuations by sea became necessary.
Homes were reported damaged as flames swept through hillside forests.
