Evacuations in Greece after major forest fire breaks out
Greece forest fire fanned by gusty winds and stubborn heatwave
- Greek authorities ordered the evacuation of several villages near Corinth after a major forest fire erupted on Tuesday amidst soaring summer temperatures.
- Over 180 firefighters, supported by 15 aircraft and 12 helicopters, are battling the fast-moving blaze in a pine forest west of Athens, fanned by gusty winds and a heatwave around 40C.
- Emergency alerts were sent to residents in affected communities, including Agia Kyriaki, Etos Steko, and Imeros Pefkos, asking them to evacuate their homes.
- Separately, a firefighting helicopter crashed into the sea near Athens while responding to another wildfire; all three crew members were rescued with non-life-threatening injuries.
- Greece is prone to wildfires during summer due to hot, dry weather and strong winds, with officials warning that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such events.