Greece: Fires on the islands of Crete, Kos and Chios PHOTO/VIDEO

A fire broke out on the island of Kos on Monday and got out of control as strong winds spread it towards Kardamaina, a popular tourist resort on the island's east coast, reports Ekatimerini.

Five firefighters were slightly injured in the extinguishing operations, and around 10,000 tourists and residents were evacuated from the area and placed in schools, sports stadiums and hotels in Antimakia, Masticari and Marmari.

Firefighters and trucks were also dispatched from Athens and Rhodes to help local forces bring the fire under control.

On Chios, meanwhile, a fire broke out in the area of ​​Sidirundi, which is located in the northwest of the island and is known for its beautiful medieval settlement, which, fortunately, was undamaged.

Additional firefighting forces were sent from Lesbos and Athens to assist the efforts of local services so that by this morning the fire was confined to the wooded part of the island and diverted from residential areas.

Meanwhile, five firefighters were slightly injured. The authorities also arrested a 63-year-old man who inadvertently caused the fire, and he was fined almost 9,000 euros, and a criminal charge of arson will be filed against him.

The third forest fire was in Crete, and especially in Vianos, on the southern coast of Heraklion, and is still raging.

Local authorities on the island evacuated the village of Katofigi as a precaution, while help in fighting the fire was sent from other parts of the island.