F-16 jets relocated as wildfires cause explosion at ammunition depot in Greece

·

Strong winds caused a wildfire to set off explosions at an air force ammunition depot in central Greece on Thursday, AP News reported.

The massive explosions shattered windows on nearby houses, but there were no deaths or injuries as the Greek fire service had evacuated the depot and surrounding villages earlier in the day.

According to AP News, the wildfire reached the ammunition storage facility where bombs and ammunition for Greek F-16 fighters were stored.

The storage facility is approximately 6 kilometres north of the major military air base in Nea Anchialos town.

F-16 fighter jets at a nearby base have been moved to another facility as a precaution, the Greek air force said.

Fire Service spokesman Ioannis Artopios said 12 villages were evacuated in the Volos-Nea Anchialos area, reported 9News.

This latest explosion comes as fires have raged across parts of Greece during three successive Mediterranean heat waves in the past two weeks, leaving five people dead, including two firefighting pilots, and triggering a huge weekend evacuation of tourists on the island of Rhodes.

On Thursday, Greek firefighters battled flames for a 10 successive day on Rhodes, where officials said the blazes were largely contained. Flare-ups were reported on the island of Evia.

Source: AP News

READ MORE: Australian helicopters join fight against wildfires in Greece.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Maria Maroulis to headline this year’s Greek Fest at Brighton-Le-Sands

The Greek Festival of Sydney is bringing summer to life with a full day of live music, and dance at Bay Street, Brighton-Le-Sands.

Sunshine and spirit: OXI Day takes centre stage at Oakleigh Glendi

Under blue skies, the second day of the 10th annual Oakleigh Glendi brought together faith, remembrance, and community spirit.

How Oakleigh Glendi grew from a church fete to cultural phenomenon

What began as a humble parish fete in the 1960s has evolved into one of Melbourne’s most anticipated multicultural festivals: Oakleigh Glendi.

Psychologist Tenia Makris delivers lecture on family and self-awareness in Melbourne

The Hellenic Women’s Network VIC welcomed renowned Greek psychologist, family counsellor, and author Tenia Makris to Melbourne.

The heart of Oakleigh Glendi, a marketplace of stories

Atherton Street, typically a rush of city traffic, was transformed into a pedestrian-only spectacle for the annual Oakleigh Glendi.

You May Also Like

AEGEAN named ‘Best Regional Airline in Europe’ for 14th consecutive year

During last week in Paris, AEGEAN has been named the ‘Best Regional Airline in Europe’ at the prestigious World Airline Awards 2025.

Greek Community of Canberra President John Loukadellis meets with ACT Minister

President of the Greek Community of Canberra John Loukadellis met with ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Michael Pettersson MLA.

Iconic Semaphore Greek Festival in South Australia wows crowds again

On Sunday, the 42nd Bank of Sydney Semaphore Greek Festival once again attracted visitors from all over Adelaide.