(ANSA) - ROMA, JUL 3 - The vast fire raging since yesterday afternoon in Lasithi, at the eastern end of the island of Crete, has forced firefighters to evacuate hundreds of residents and visitors in the area of Lasithi, Agia Fotia, Galini. Kathimerini writes that. "Wind gusts reaching 9 degrees Beaufort constantly create patches and new outbreaks, making the work of firefighters difficult," law enforcement officials say. According to the president of the Hoteliers Association of Ierapetra and Southeast Crete, Giorgos Tzarakis, "about 5,000 people have been evacuated, mostly foreign visitors." Hundreds of tourists spent the night in Ierapetra's indoor sports field, Ert reports. The flames burned agricultural and forest land throughout the night and reportedly also reached some houses and greenhouses.According to the deputy governor of the Lasithi region, Yannis Androulakis, there are reports of burned properties but the number is not yet known. Giorgos Tsapakos, deputy governor of the Crete Civil Defense, speaking to Ert said some residents with mild respiratory problems have been transferred to health centers. Tsapakos also said that "firefighting operations with aerial means have begun" and said he was optimistic that the situation would improve in the coming hours. Greek fire brigade spokesman Vasilis Vathrakogiannis said a total of 230 firefighters with 46 vehicles, and ten helicopters, are deployed at the scene, where firefighters from Attica have also been sent. (ANSA).