ATHENS (Reuters) -Greek firefighters on Wednesday battled a blaze that raged on the popular vacation destination of Crete, burning forest land, threatening homes and prompting the evacuation of residents and tourists from at least four settlements on the island.

Hundreds of residents and tourists were evacuated in Crete, as strong winds further fanned the flames. Firefighters are still trying to contain the blaze.

ATHENS - Firefighters battled for a third day on Friday to put out a wildfire on the Greek island of Crete that has razed forests and olive groves and forced thousands of residents and tourists to leave the area.