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

Trump pauses Strait of Hormuz operation as ceasefire holds with Iran

US President Donald Trump has paused a key military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, signalling potential progress toward a ceasefire.

Ancient Greek art inspires standout Met Gala 2026 looks

Ancient Greek art and mythology took centre stage at the Met Gala 2026, with Kendall Jenner and Anne Hathaway.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew urges global peace in landmark address

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew called for unity and a commitment to peace during a historic appearance before the Hellenic Parliament.

Chalmers rejects RBA warning over budget spending plan

Jim Chalmers has dismissed concerns that planned cost-of-living relief in the upcoming federal budget could fuel inflation.

US Ambassador confirms plans for Trump to visit Greece

US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Greece, according to the US Ambassador to Athens, Kimberly Guilfoyle.

You May Also Like

Greece’s Prime Minister sends message of solidarity to Vienna

At least two people have been killed and several injured during an attack in the Austrian capital on Monday night.

BREAKING: Ecumenical Patriarchate releases statement unequivocally supporting Archbishop Makarios

The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople has released a statement announcing his full support for Archbishop Makarios.

Behrouz Boochani returns to Melbourne’s Greek Centre for annual John Berger lecture

Tickets were sparse for the annual John Berger lecture, as Melbournian’s flocked to the Greek Centre to see Behrouz Boochani and Hoda Afshar.Â