Greek firefighters race to contain wildfire on Crete

In Greece, a wildfire is spreading fast on the island of Crete, forcing over 5,000 residents and tourists to evacuate on Thursday.

Strong winds reaching 80 kilometers per hour and extreme heat, linked to Europe's early summer heatwave, have led to the rapid spread of the blaze that broke out a day earlier.

Two hundred thirty firefighters and 46 fire engines and helicopters have been deployed to contain the fire which are sweeping through forest, farmland, and residential areas.

The fire service warns the island remains at very high risk, and with above-average temperatures and little rain forecast, containment is expected to take days.