Homes, forests destroyed as major wildfires continue to burn across Greece

·

Homes and forests have been destroyed as several major fires are burning across Greece and the recent heatwave has increased the dangers of new ones, Ekathimerini reports.

One wildfire has broken out in southern Greece, burning homes in villages not far from the famous archaeological site of Ancient Olympia and prompting the evacuations of six villages.

According to AP News, the fire broke out on Sunday afternoon near the villages of Krestena and Skillountia, which are south and southeast of Ancient Olympia.

A house is on fire near the village of Krestena south of Ancient Olympia. Photo: Giannis Spyrounis/ilialive.gr via AP.

Fire authorities said the prevailing north-westerly winds were pushing the fire to the southeast, up a mountain and away from Ancient Olympia.

Elsewhere, at least six more significant fires were also burning across the country on Sunday, with three of those burning for several days. 

The most extensive, and dangerous, fire is the one at the Dadia national forest, in the region of Thrace, near the border with Turkey, which began on Thursday. The forest is home to rare species, especially vultures, and is mostly made up of highly flammable pine trees.

The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy, along with several NGOs, are going to create an emergency station for the treatment of wildlife. The World Wide Fund of Nature (WWF) and volunteer veterinarians are already treating animals brought in by firefighters and civilian volunteers battling the blaze.

The Fire Service is also battling fires at the resort of Vatera, on the southern side of the island of Lesvos, in southwestern Peloponnese and in a remote mountain area in the region of Western Macedonia, near the town of Grevena.

A firefighter tries to extinguishes a forest fire near the beach resort of Vatera, on the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos, Greece, Saturday, July 23, 2022. Photo: AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis.

The fire on the Greek island of Lesvos, which required the evacuation of over 450 tourists and locals Saturday, is slowly being controlled, with only scattered blazes late on Sunday afternoon, local authorities said.

Hot and dry conditions, along with gusty winds, have prevailed for weeks in Greece. A heat wave that arrived on Saturday pushed temperatures past 41 degrees Celsius in some places. The heat is expected to persist for several days.

READ MORE: ‘We are on your side’: Greek PM promises relief measures for people affected by wildfires.

Source: AP News and Ekathimerini.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

Greece cracks down on beach violations amid thousands of complaints

Greek authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal beach occupation and protect public access to the coastline.

You May Also Like

Stefanos Tsitsipas storms into Australian Open quarter finals after five-set thriller

Stefanos Tsitsipas has stormed into the Australian Open quarter finals after defeating Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller on Sunday.

Court hears ESTA delays may have cost Nick Panagiotopoulos his life

Nick Panagiotopoulos would likely still be alive if not for delays with the Victorian emergency call-taking service, the courts heard.

Greek Prime Minister to celebrate Orthodox Easter in Australia

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, will celebrate Easter in Australia during his seven day official visit to the country.