The wildfire flames have spread rapidly across Crete, reaching homes as well as hotels and other tourist accommodations.

Greek firefighters are battling a fast-moving wildfire on the island of Crete, which erupted Wednesday and quickly spread due to strong winds. The fire burned forest areas, damaged homes, and forced evacuations in at least four settlements in the southeastern Ierapetra region.

A Greek official says it is a "very difficult situation" as the wildfire sees clouds of ash fills the sky over southern Crete, adding: "Right now, they cannot stop it."