According to Reuters, thousands were evacuated late last week as Crete endured gale force winds that exacerbated wildfires that burned forests and olive groves. At least 3,500 tourists were evacuated from Ierapetra last week, but have since been returned to their original lodgings. Temperatures reached over 100 degrees Fahrenheit this past week.

Firefighters are struggling to bring a major wildfire on Greece’s southern island of Crete under control, hampered by gale force winds that are whipping up the flames.

Firefighters struggled to gain control over a massive wildfire burning on the Greek island of Crete, as powerful winds fanned the flames.