Wildfires have broken out on the popular Greek tourist islands of Paros and Crete, resulting in the deaths of two firefighters who were battling the flames, AFP and other foreign media outlets reported, citing local time yesterday (July 29).

According to the Greek Fire Service, the fire on the island of Paros started overnight at a western landfill and spread southward driven by strong winds.

As the flames continued to spread, authorities issued evacuation orders for 10 villages to prevent harm to residents.

The exact number of residents and tourists who left their homes and evacuated has not yet been confirmed.

A wildfire also broke out on the island of Crete that afternoon, during which two firefighters lost their lives in the containment efforts.

Fire authorities deployed 125 firefighters to tackle the blazes in the area.

So far this year, wildfires have destroyed 116,085 hectares across France and 153,000 hectares in Spain.

While the rapid spread of the fires has recently subsided, authorities are reportedly struggling with extinguishment efforts due to coinciding heatwaves.