Greece wildfires mapped as Brits flee from deadly blaze | World | News
Authorities believe the blaze has already destroyed several homes, as well as significant areas of agricultural land, causing widespread damage to local communities The spate of wildfires in the city left two firefighters dead after becoming trapped when the blaze. In a message of condolence, Greek Fire Service chief Theodoros Vagias identified the victims as 58-year-old Emmanouil Stratidakis and 25-year-old Pantelis Diamantakis. The statement also confirmed that both firefighters are due to be laid to rest on Thursday.
Another firefighter died after being found unconscious near the southern Peloponnese port town of Gytheio. Although the situation in Crete is improving, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned of “difficult days” ahead.
A new wildfire broke out in an area of low vegetation on the Greek island of Paros on the afternoon of July 30. The latest blaze comes just days after the island was hit by a series of wildfires that burned for several days, with firefighters battling multiple fronts across the southern and southeastern parts of one of Greece’s most popular holiday destinations.
The fire began around midday on Tuesday in the Kampi area. The blaze was largely brought under control by late Tuesday afternoon.
However, it reignited after aerial firefighting operations were suspended overnight. Around 10 villages have been evacuated on the popular tourist island.
Elsewhere, Europe is still reeling from one of its worst wildfire seasons on record, with Spain and France being the most affected.
Since the fires began to spread last Wednesday, around 360,000 people have been evacuated across France and Spain.
The southwest of France is bearing the brunt of devastating wildfires, with an area four times the size of Paris burned near Bordeaux.
Officials in the Spanish capital of Madrid said the fires are the worst the region have ever experienced.
“The climate emergency is worsening year after year, and we are required to be united to fight against fire, as well as in prevention and reconstruction,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said.
