Firefighters battled a wildfire on the Greek island of Paros on Tuesday, struggling with strong winds, scattered fire fronts and repeated flare-ups after aerial firefighting operations were suspended at nightfall.

The blaze broke out at around 1:30 p.m. local time, burning low vegetation in an area with scattered homes. Local authorities said the fire was believed to have started near the island’s landfill site, although the cause has not been officially confirmed.

Strong winds of up to force 6 on the Beaufort scale hampered firefighting efforts, causing separate fire fronts to merge and reignite, officials said.

Greek authorities issued two emergency evacuation alerts through the 112 public warning system. The first instructed residents and visitors in the areas of Agios Charalambos, Kampi, Bougados and Aneratzia to move toward Alyki. A second alert later urged people in the Kamari area to evacuate to Alyki as a precaution.

Paros Mayor Kostas Bizas said the fire had started near Agios Charalambos and was moving toward Aneratzia, with changing winds pushing the flames in the direction of Kamari.

“The settlement is not under immediate threat, but the wind is driving the fire toward the area, which is why we requested evacuations,” Bizas said.

A large firefighting force remained deployed on the island, with operations being coordinated by Deputy Fire Service Chief Lieutenant General Anastasios Pappas. Ground crews were expected to continue working overnight before aerial firefighting aircraft resumed operations at first light.