Greece fires – live: Hundreds rescued by boat as flames reach shore of island as death toll rises to two
Latest updates as wildfires rage for fifth day
Two people have died in Greece and eight killed in Turkey amid extreme wildfires, fanned by unpredictable winds and soaring temperatures – described as the worst in southern Europe in decades.
A volunteer firefighter has died after being struck by a falling electricity pole in an area north of Athens affected by the fire, officials said on Friday.
Flames swept through a residential town outside the Greek capital overnight as wildfires burned across the country for a fifth day, while hundreds of people were evacuated by ferry from the island of Evia.
More than 700 firefighters, including reinforcements from Cyprus, France and Israel, have been deployed to fight the blaze north of Athens, assisted by the army and water-bombing aircraft.
In neighbouring Turkey, tens of thousands of people have been evacuated after flames swept through the country’s southwestern coastal regions.
British firefighters deploying to help Greece
British firefighters are deploying urgently to Greece.
Teams from Merseyside, Lancashire, south Wales, London and the west Midlands fire services will fly to Athens this weekend.
The National Fire Chiefs Council’s National Resilience team is responding to a formal request from Priti Patel, the home secretary, to give operational assistance to Greece.
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France stands by Greece, says Emmanuel Macron
Emmanuel Macron has said France will send three aircraft and 80 firefighters to support Greek teams.
“Solidarity, as Europeans, always,” France’s president wrote on Twitter.
A Twitter user 10km south of the fires on Evia got in touch with us to share images of his view. “Still here for now,” he said.
Hundreds of firefighters battle 55 active fires
Hundreds of firefighters are currently battling 55 active fires, Greek civil protection chief Nikos Hardalias has said.
“We’re continuing to fight a very big battle. All night our forces worked hard,” Hardalias said, adding that he expected the fire north of Athens to be contained, barring any unexpected developments, within the day.
More than 850 firefighters, 40 ground teams, three aircraft, six helicopters and 215 vehicles were working to extinguish the flames north of Athens, Hardalias said, with Greek forces reinforced by overseas support.
In Evia, where 39 villages had been evacuated, six aircraft, four helicopters, 475 firefighters and 35 ground teams were operating, including Romanian and Ukrainian firefighters.
The army sent 84 special forces personnel, while the navy was providing a torpedo boat, two landing craft and 15 smaller boats to assist in sea evacuations if necessary, Hardalias said.
British firefighters deployed as ‘very big battle’ continues for fifth day
Here’s the full story about British firefighters joining the efforts against the devastating fires in Greece.
British firefighters deployed to join ‘very big battle’ against Greek wildfires
Evacuees housed in hall in Chalkida
Thoughts are with those affected, says London Fire Brigade
The London Fire Brigade has shared a message on Twitter, saying: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the Greece fires.”
London firefighters form part of the UK’s deployment to Greece.
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