Three firefighters die as wildfires spread in southern Greece

Key points

• The fire service reported that three firefighters died on Wednesday during wildfire operations in Greece.
• Near Rethymno, crews included 156 firefighters, eight ground units, 33 engines, four helicopters and four aircraft.
• Strong winds accelerated the Rethymno fire and made it harder for ground crews to contain the blaze.
• Authorities ordered evacuations in Agia Galini and moved foreign tourists after an emergency alert directed residents toward Tympaki.
• Earlier alerts prompted evacuations from six settlements, while 29 people were rescued at sea near Agios Pavlos.
• The Rethymno Arson Crime Investigation Unit is examining how the fire began.