Over 100 wildfires erupted throughout Greece, with the most destructive blazes occurring on the Peloponnese and in Epirus, Zakynthos, and Chios. Due to severe drought and powerful winds, the forest fires spread rapidly, leading authorities to order the evacuation of multiple villages.
Fires have burned houses, farms, and factories and prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists since Tuesday.
Dozens of people suffering from smoke inhalation have been hospitalized since Tuesday, public broadcaster ERT reported. Some 13 firefighters have been treated for burns and other injuries, fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis reported in a televised briefing on Wednesday.
Nearly 5,000 firefighters assisted by 33 aircraft were deployed from dawn to contain the flames stoked by winds and hot, dry conditions near Patra, on the tourist islands of Chios and Zakynthos, and in at least three inland spots.
Greece has requested four firefighting planes through the European Civil Protection Mechanism to help combat the fires. The largest fire began in Western Achaia near Flogeraika, where local settlements were evacuated. Fires in Tsoukaleika, Vrachnaiika, Moireika, and surrounding rural areas have burned homes and factories.
At least two industrial buildings in the Patras industrial zone were destroyed, along with hundreds of vehicles in a storage yard. Roads, including the Patra-Pyrgos highway, have been shut down.
Wildfires elsewhere in Greece
In the municipality of Ziros, Epirus, a forest fire has spread along an estimated 18 mile-front (30 km), destroying homes in Agios Georgios and Pantanassa. Power cuts are widespread, with explosions from gas tanks in livestock facilities. Livestock losses have been reported. Several villages, including a refugee reception facility, have been evacuated.
Fires affecting rural and forested areas near four villages have triggered evacuation orders toward Zakynthos Town.
On Chios, northwestern areas of the island were evacuated overnight. Damage includes forest, farmland, homes, livestock facilities, warehouses, vehicles, small chapels, and shops near the port. Power outages occurred after damage to a local substation.
Wildfires rage across southern Europe
Wildfires are raging across parts of Europe, including Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and the Balkans, fueled by extreme heat, wind, and drought.
Multiple deaths have been reported, evacuations are underway, and firefighters are on the ground containing the blaze, with the military helping in Spain. Scientists link the surging forest fires each year with global warming in the Mediterranean region.
