2 firefighters die in a wildfire on the southern Greek island of Crete

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Two firefighters have died in a wildfire that broke out Wednesday on the southern Greek island of Crete, the fire department said.

The two were among about 125 firefighters battling a wildfire in the region of Rethymno in Crete that broke out Wednesday afternoon.

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"They fell heroically in the line of duty to protect the lives and property of citizens and the natural environment," the department said in a written statement.

The flames were being fanned by strong winds in the area, which were hampering firefighting efforts. Four helicopters and four water-dropping planes were also deployed, the fire department said.

The circumstances of the two deaths were not immediately clear.