Firefighters and aircraft battle to control wildfires.
Hundreds of Firefighters, Aircraft Struggle to Contain Wildfires
More than 600 firefighters, including reinforcements from several European countries and backed by a fleet of water-dropping planes and helicopters, are currently battling the remnants of three major wildfires in Greece. These wildfires have been raging for days, posing a significant challenge to firefighting efforts.
Greece has been plagued by daily outbreaks of dozens of fires over the past week, fueled by gale-force winds and hot, dry summer conditions. These conditions have created the perfect environment for flames to spread rapidly, making it difficult for firefighters to gain control.
As of Sunday, there were 105 wildfires across the country, with 46 of them breaking out within a 24-hour period. The fire department is investigating the causes of these blazes, with arson suspected in some cases.
Devastation in Northeastern Greece
In Greece’s northeastern regions of Evros and Alexandroupolis, a massive wildfire has been burning for nine days. This wildfire is believed to be responsible for 20 out of the 21 wildfire-related deaths in the past week. It has decimated vast tracts of forest and burned homes in the outlying areas of Alexandroupolis.
On Sunday, 295 firefighters, seven planes, and five helicopters were tackling flare-ups that were creating new fire fronts. Evacuation orders were issued for two villages in the Evros and Rodopi regions. The wildfire has scorched 77,000 hectares (297 square miles) of land and had 120 active hotspots, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Emergency Management Service.
Other Wildfires in Greece
On the northwestern fringes of the Greek capital, another major wildfire has been burning for days. However, it is now limited to flare-ups and is being tackled by 160 firefighters, one plane, and three helicopters. This fire has already destroyed homes and part of a national park on Mount Parnitha.
A third major wildfire started on the Cycladic island of Andros on Saturday and is still not under control. Currently, 73 firefighters, two planes, and two helicopters are working to extinguish the blaze. Lightning strikes are suspected of having sparked this wildfire. Flare-ups are also occurring in a large wildfire in the central region of Viotia.
International Support and Climate Change
With firefighting forces stretched to the limit, Greece has called for help from other European countries. Germany, Sweden, Croatia, and Cyprus have sent aircraft, while firefighters from Romania, France, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Albania, Slovakia, and Serbia are assisting on the ground.
Southern European countries, with their hot and dry summers, are particularly prone to wildfires. European Union officials have attributed the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe to climate change. They note that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record, following 2017.
The causes of Greece’s two largest fires have not yet been determined. However, arson or negligence is suspected in some of the smaller blazes, leading to several arrests. Greece imposes wildfire prevention regulations from May to October, aiming to limit activities that could spark fires.
Despite the challenges, firefighters and aircraft continue to battle the wildfires in Greece, working tirelessly to contain the flames and protect affected communities.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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