Greek police have arrested a 35-year-old Israeli tourist on suspicion of negligently starting a wildfire in southern Crete after a barbecue was lit at a rented holiday villa despite warnings of a high fire risk.

The fire broke out at about 19:11 on Friday near Sellia, close to the resort of Plakias in the municipality of Agios Vasileios, according to Greek media reports cited by The Jerusalem Post.

Investigators from the Greek Fire Service's arson unit believe the blaze began in the grounds of a villa where a group of Israeli tourists was staying.

The property's owner had reportedly warned the guests both verbally and in writing that barbecues were prohibited because of the heightened wildfire danger.

Despite the warning, investigators suspect a barbecue was lit and sparks were carried by strong winds into dry vegetation surrounding the property, causing the fire to spread.

The Israeli tourist was arrested on Saturday and was expected to appear before a judge in Rethymno on Sunday for a hearing on whether his detention should be extended.

No injuries were reported.

More than 60 firefighters were deployed to contain the blaze, supported by three specialist wildfire units, dozens of vehicles, firefighting helicopters, water tankers and volunteers, according to reports citing Greek authorities.

Greece's 112 emergency warning system issued alerts during the fire, while residents of Fotinari and Souda were ordered to evacuate as a precaution.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control after about four hours.

The incident follows an exceptionally destructive period for the Rethymno region.

About two weeks earlier, a major wildfire south of Rethymno burned roughly 45,000 dunams — about 4,500 hectares — in two days, according to National Observatory of Athens data cited by The Jerusalem Post.

More than 8,000 residents and tourists were evacuated during that fire. Two firefighters were killed during firefighting operations, while winds reached speeds of about 88 kilometres an hour and local gusts exceeded 100 kilometres an hour.

Photographs from the area in late July showed firefighters battling flames and smouldering vegetation across the dry landscape south of Rethymno.

Greek authorities have tightened enforcement of fire-prevention rules during periods of heightened risk. Activities capable of producing flames or sparks, including outdoor barbecues, can be prohibited when wildfire danger is high.

The circumstances surrounding Friday's fire remain under investigation, and any criminal charges against the detained tourist will be determined through the Greek judicial process.