More than 150 firefighters were deployed after the wildfire broke out on Wednesday. Strong winds drove the fire through vegetation, making it harder for crews to gain control.

Authorities also issued evacuation orders for several communities, while helicopters and water-dropping aircraft dumped thousands of litres of water on the flames.

The wildfire killed two firefighters in the Rethymno region, where crews continue to work to contain the blaze. Local media reported the pair may have become trapped in their vehicle after losing visibility in dense smoke.

A third firefighter also died on Wednesday while tackling a separate wildfire in the Peloponnese.