Meteorologists are predicting strong gusts of wind for Sunday, which could complicate the efforts of firefighters in the fight against the fiery element that is burning uncontrollably on the Greek island of Rhodes, where about 30.000 people have been evacuated.
Rhodes is one of the most popular tourist destinations, especially for the British and French.
The authorities have warned that it will take several days to fight the forest fire, which is raging at the height of the tourist season, reports AFP.
The spokesman of the fire brigade, Vasilis Vatrakojanis, warned that the wind was getting stronger and that it could lead to the instigation of the fire.
Local Rhodesian officials said 30.000 people at risk from the fire had been evacuated, including 2.500 who were taken from the beaches.
During the night, the fire reached the village of Lerma, where it engulfed several houses and a church, and several hotels were also damaged.
A forest fire raging for a fifth day on the Greek island of Rhodes forced hundreds of people to leave affected villages and beaches on Saturday, authorities said.
Coastguard vessels and more than 30 private boats have evacuated at least 2.000 people, including tourists, from beaches near the areas of Kiotari and Lardos on the island's southeast, coastguard spokesman Nikos Alexiou said.
Authorities also urged about 1.000 people to leave the villages of Pefki, Lindos and Kalatos as the flames approached, said fire brigade spokesman Vasilis Vatrakoiannis.
Firefighters, supported by aerial cannons and reinforcements from Slovakia, are fighting the fire which, aided by strong winds, is engulfing the forest on the island.
Greek television showed crowds of tourists with luggage walking down the street as part of the evacuation operation, while smoke could be seen in the background.
The fire has scorched parts of dense forest since it broke out in the mountainous region on Tuesday.
At least three hotels were damaged in the coastal village of Kiotari on Saturday.
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Civil protection authorities warned of a very high risk of wildfires in Rhodes and many other areas in Greece on Sunday, as temperatures are expected to reach 45 degrees Celsius amid a heatwave.
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated its crisis management unit to offer assistance to foreigners who want to leave the country.
Fires are common in Greece, but hotter, drier and windier summers have turned the country into a hotbed for wildfires in recent years.
Meteorologists warn that the current heat is expected to last until the end of the month.
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