Two firefighters have died battling a major wildfire that broke out near Nea Kria Vrysi, in the Rethymno region of Crete, on Wednesday afternoon.

The pair was trapped inside their vehicle in the Sachtouria area after losing their bearings in thick smoke, according to initial reports. They have been identified only as aged 27 and 23; one was a permanent member of the fire service, the other a seasonal firefighter.

The blaze has burned out of control since the early afternoon, forcing the evacuation of five settlements. Strong winds have fanned the flames across the area.

“This is a very dangerous fire, and it is in full development. There are houses within the fire zone, which is why we issued a 112 evacuation alert for the settlements,” the Fire Service Coordination Centre told the Athens Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA).

Firefighting resources have been significantly reinforced as the blaze continues to rage, with gusts in the area now reaching Beaufort 7. As of 16.51, 125 firefighters were tackling the fire with 27 vehicles, six ground crews from the 3rd and 19th Special Disaster Response Units (EMODE), and, intermittently, four helicopters and four aircraft. Water tankers and heavy machinery from the Municipality of Agios Vasileios are also assisting in the operation.

A second 112 message was issued shortly afterwards for the wider Rethymno area: “Forest fire in the areas of Agios Georgios and Agios Pavlos, in the Regional Unit of Rethymno. If you are in these areas, move away via the coastal road of Agiovasiliotiko towards Agia Galini.”

Elsewhere in Crete, the situation is reported to be more contained at Moroni, in the Heraklion region, where the fire is burning low vegetation. Fifty-eight firefighters, 18 vehicles, two ground crews from the 3rd EMODE and two helicopters have been deployed there.

Two further major fires are also being fought elsewhere in Greece. In Agerano, in the Lakonia region of the Peloponnese, 54 firefighters, 17 vehicles, two ground crews from the 9th EMODE, two aircraft and one helicopter are battling the flames; residents there have been told via 112 to be ready to evacuate.

In Plomari, on the island of Lesvos, reinforcements have brought firefighting numbers up to 50, supported by 13 vehicles, two ground crews from the 12th EMODE, three aircraft and three helicopters.