A fire on the island of Rhodes raged for a fifth day Saturday, despite efforts by firefighters, soldiers, planes and helicopters, AP reported. No casualties have been reported in burning areas, mostly made up of forests left vulnerable by dry weather and heavy winds. An estimated 3,000 tourists were evacuated from locations near the fire by late Friday night on the southeastern part of the island, to the city of Rhodes, local authorities said. The reason was the heavy smoke blowing in the direction of the resorts. However, the winds changed direction Saturday, allowing most of the visitors to return to their hotels. Fire brigade officials would not estimate the extent of the damage, but local authorities said about 5,000 hectares (12.4 acres) had been destroyed, mostly forests. Ten planes and seven helicopters were fighting the blaze, along with 213 firefighters, 52 ground vehicles and more than 100 soldiers, a fire brigade spokeswoman said. Italy, France and Cyprus also sent a few airplanes and a helicopter to help.
