A large wildfire on the Greek island of Crete forced the evacuation of about 5,000 people, mostly tourists, from the Lasithi region.

The fire, which started Wednesday near Achlia, spread rapidly on three fronts due to strong winds.

Five coastal towns were evacuated as flames damaged homes, forests, and olive groves.

Four people were hospitalized for breathing problems, and some required rescue from trapped locations, EFE has reported.

Over 230 firefighters, helicopters, and water tankers are battling the blaze, amid a heat wave that has dried vegetation across Greece.

Written by B.C. Begley