A wildfire that started on Tuesday evening on the Greek island of Paros prompted the preventive evacuation of multiple communities, authorities said on Wednesday, as firefighters struggled to contain the flames.

The fire broke out near a rubbish tip in the Kampi area of the western part of the island and spread quickly southward and toward the centre, fanned by strong winds, according to the fire service. By Wednesday morning, about a hundred firefighters were deployed, supported by two water-dropping aircraft and five helicopters. Local officials said the night had been difficult but that the fire’s intensity had since weakened, though scattered outbreaks persisted and vigilance was required.

Approximately ten settlements were cleared as a precaution, with local media reporting that some residents were told to move to beaches. The number of evacuees has not yet been made public. The flames have destroyed brush and shrubs, and there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage to residential structures.

Greece is accustomed to summer wildfires caused by high temperatures and drought. This year it has so far avoided the prolonged heatwaves affecting other European countries, but a three-day heatwave last week brought temperatures of up to 43°C locally. The meteorological service noted that it was only the third time since 2011 that the 40°C threshold had been reached so late in the season.

The cause of the fire has not been reported, and firefighting operations were continuing on Wednesday.