A fierce wildfire has struck the coastal towns of Palaia Fokaia and Thymari, located 40 km (25 miles) southeast of Athens, leading to the destruction of homes and mandatory evacuations as flames approached the shoreline.
The fire, sparked in low vegetation, rapidly spread into residential areas amidst Greece’s initial summer heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 40°C. At least 20 homes were completely destroyed while many others sustained severe damage, as reported by local officials.
Efforts to combat the blaze were challenging due to strong winds. Residents rallied alongside firefighters, forest rangers, and aircraft to control the fire, with the coast guard assisting along the coast. Emergency alerts via the 112 system prompted evacuations in various towns.
To bolster firefighting efforts, Greece has deployed an additional 18,000 firefighters this season, responding to the increasing wildfire threat attributed to prolonged hot summers and a changing climate.
Recent reports indicated that extensive land was burned on Chios, where a Georgian woman was arrested for allegedly starting a fire with a cigarette. Amid the chaos, some residents attempted to defend their homes using makeshift tools, cautioning authorities that such actions posed risks to themselves and rescue operations.
Over 1,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas, with police rescuing 40 individuals trapped by the advancing flames. As the situation unfolds, further investigations are underway to determine the fire’s cause.
Source: www.bbc.com
