According to initial estimates, fires destroyed some 550 hectaresacres) of olive groves and grazing land on the Greek isle, and seriously damaged six homes, the police said.

More the 130 firemen, with the help of a helicopter and four airplanes, were brought in to fight the inferno, according to the fire department.

Police said they were yet to rule out the possibility that the blazes that swept through 300 hectares (740 acres) on the western side of the island were set deliberately.

TERRA.WIRE