Apodoulou

The Ministry of Civil Protection on Friday declared a state of emergency in the municipalities of Agia Paraskevi, Agios Ioannis, Ano Meros and Apodoulou in the municipality of Amari in Rethymno on Crete.

According to the decision signed by the general secretary of civil protection, Vassilis Papageorgiou, the state of emergency will be in effect until September 9.

The fire that broke out Wednesday afternoon in Rethymno, Crete, has expanded, prompting six additional evacuation alerts on Thursday.

The blaze was contained after a night of reduced winds. However, flames intensified after daybreak despite added assistance from the mainland.