Firefighters battle to tackle wildfires raging across Greece and Spain

Wildfires ravage Europe: Hundreds of firefighters battle to tackle huge fires raging across Greece and Spain’s Canary Islands

Largest active wildfire prompted evacuations in 13 villages near Alexandroupolis
Last year was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017

Hundreds of firefighters are battling to tackle major wildfires that are raging across Greece and Spain’s Canary Islands, with hot, dry and windy conditions hampering their efforts.

Two of the fires have been burning for several days, with the largest active wildfire ravaging forests and farmland for a third day near the northeastern Greek town of Alexandroupolis – where 13 villages were evacuated and several homes were destroyed over the weekend.

Greek authorities said the body of a man was recovered from a sheep-pen in an area in the central Viotia region under evacuation as a wildfire approached. Local reports alleged the man died of smoke inhalation while trying to save his livestock.

Two firefighters are being treated in a hospital for injuries sustained in a separate fire in the northern Kavala region, the fire department said.

European Union officials have blamed climate change for the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe, noting that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017.

Hundreds of firefighters are battling to tackle major wildfires that are raging across Europe today, with hot, dry and windy conditions hampering their efforts. Pictured: Helicopters fly over today as wildfire rages near Alexandroupoli, northern Greece

Gale-force winds were fanning the flames of dozens of wildfires in several parts of Greece today, with the northeast particularly hard-hit. Pictured: Firemen battle flames burning vegetation near Prodromos, Greece today

Gale-force winds were fanning the flames of dozens of wildfires in several parts of Greece today, with the northeast particularly hard-hit.

Evacuation orders were issued for villages in the northern regions of Alexandroupolis, Komotini, Kavala and Orestiada, the central region of Viotia and the island of Evia, while fire departments across the country were placed on general alert.

More than 200 firefighters, assisted by 17 water-dropping aircraft, volunteers and the armed forces were battling the fire. Residents in Alexandroupolis were advised to keep their windows shut due to the smoke.

Fifty-six firefighters from Romania and two water-dropping aircraft from Cyprus were heading to Alexandroupolis, while 19 French firefighters were helping tackle the Evia fire.

The coast guard said 20 people were evacuated by private boats from a fire on the island of Kythnos, while patrol boats and private vessels were on standby for other potential evacuations from fire areas in Viotia and Evia.

‘The last 48 hours, unfortunately like the next 48 hours, are proving exceptionally critical due to the strong winds and high temperatures that are creating extensive fire fronts,’ said Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias.

The largest active wildfire is ravaging forests and farmland for a third day near the northeastern Greek town of Alexandroupolis (pictured)

Greek authorities have banned public access to mountains and forests in several regions until Wednesday morning, and ordered military patrols. Pictured: Flames surge toward settlements in Komotini, Greece today

Since midnight, 53 fires had broken out across the country, including 14 in the northeastern Evros border region alone, officials say. Pictured: A man helps the firefighters today as a wildfire burns near Vatontas village on the Aegean Sea island of Evia, Greece

The Greek government held an emergency meeting with the heads of the fire department, police, coast guard, armed forces and intelligence services. Pictured: Wildfire rages in Dialekto village near Kavala, northern Greece today

Greece suffers destructive wildfires every summer, which officials say have been exacerbated by climate change. Pictured: A wildfire burns near Vatontas village on the Aegean Sea island of Evia, Greece today

Since midnight, 53 fires had broken out across the country, including 14 in the northeastern Evros border region alone, he added.

The government held an emergency meeting with the heads of the fire department, police, coast guard, armed forces and intelligence services.

Wildfires ravage Europe: Hundreds of firefighters battle to tackle huge fires raging across Greece and Spain’s Canary Islands

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