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.

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Latest News

Giannis Topalidis on Euro 2004, discipline and Greek football

Giannis Topalidis, one of the key figures of the Euro 2004 triumph, visited Australia and met with The Greek Herald last Friday.

Cairns faithful welcome Bishop Bartholomew for Epiphany celebrations

His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane visited Cairns in Far North Queensland, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy.

Adelaide Writers’ Week and Ariadne’s Thread: Can cultural institutions navigate complexity?

The immediate debates in the wake of the Adelaide Festival Board’s decision to remove Randa Abdel-Fattah from the 2026 program.

Giannis Vidiniotis in critical condition after serious beach injury in Perth

Greek national Giannis Vidiniotis is fighting for his life after suffering severe injuries while swimming at Cottesloe Beach in Perth.

From Australia to Athens: Six acclaimed Australian plays find a Greek voice

Australian plays are being staged in Greek at Athens’ Aggelon Vima Theatre, introducing local audiences to contemporary Australian drama.

You May Also Like

Q&A with Helen Kapalos: Defying media industry norms and name-change requests

In a Q&A with The Greek Herald, Helen Kapalos shares how she is defied media industry norms and name-change requests.

Winners and losers of the Federal Budget 2023

The Albanese Government has handed down its second budget with a focus on cost-of-living relief, welfare recipients and healthcare.

Australian government to protect faith-based places with 40 million grants program

The Albanese Government will help protect faith-based places with a new $40 million grants program to improve security and safety.