On Friday, a large wildfire in Keratea, southeast of Athens, led to the tragic death of an elderly man found inside his residence. The fire, which erupted around 14:00 local time in the Manoutso region, is part of a larger pattern of over 50 wildfires igniting across Greece over the last 24 hours. Fueled by strong winds reaching up to 9 Beaufort, the blaze intensified quickly, leading to evacuation orders for several communities nearby.
Wildfires in Greece Claim One Life as Fires Spread Rapidly
Wildfires in Greece Claim One Life as Fires Spread Rapidly
A devastating wildfire in southern Greece has resulted in one fatality, with hundreds fleeing their homes as flames sweep through rural areas.
Fire officials reported significant challenges in tackling the flames, which have consumed residential homes and devastated agricultural land. Areas affected by the fire have included Synterina, Dimolaki, and Drosia, which have faced complete evacuations as the situation worsens. Lavreotiki mayor Dimitris Loukas described the fire as "extremely difficult" to manage, stretching over seven kilometers and now threatening additional areas as winds shift.
An extensive response has been mobilized, involving 190 firefighters, supported by ground teams and aircraft, alongside teams from the Czech Republic and Romania. As the situation deteriorates, authorities are on high alert for potential new outbreaks in other parts of Greece, particularly in regions prone to wildfires such as Attica and western Greece.
Moreover, later on Friday, additional wildfires ignited in Helidoni, near Ancient Olympia, prompting further evacuations. Winds are complicating firefighting efforts, as embers lead to multiple spot fires across the region. Firefighters are actively working to constitute all efforts needed to prevent the flames from reaching crucial infrastructure, including power lines. Emergency messages have been dispatched to local residents to ensure safe evacuations in the face of this ongoing crisis.
An extensive response has been mobilized, involving 190 firefighters, supported by ground teams and aircraft, alongside teams from the Czech Republic and Romania. As the situation deteriorates, authorities are on high alert for potential new outbreaks in other parts of Greece, particularly in regions prone to wildfires such as Attica and western Greece.
Moreover, later on Friday, additional wildfires ignited in Helidoni, near Ancient Olympia, prompting further evacuations. Winds are complicating firefighting efforts, as embers lead to multiple spot fires across the region. Firefighters are actively working to constitute all efforts needed to prevent the flames from reaching crucial infrastructure, including power lines. Emergency messages have been dispatched to local residents to ensure safe evacuations in the face of this ongoing crisis.
