ATHENS, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Two major wildfires, one on the island of Crete and another near the port town of Rafina east of Athens, have forced the evacuation of more than 5,000 residents and tourists, Greek authorities said on Thursday.

Wildfires are burning across Europe, with major blazes in Greece and Turkey forcing thousands to evacuate and killing two people.

The wildfire flames have spread rapidly across Crete, reaching homes as well as hotels and other tourist accommodations.