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.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Athenian Hellenic Achievement Awards celebrate excellence and community service

The Athenian Association of New South Wales hosted a deeply moving Athenian Hellenic Achievement Awards luncheon on Sunday, November 23.

Joy Damousi explores ASIO surveillance of Greek migrants during the Cold War

In a Friday Essay for The Conversation, historian Joy Damousi examines how the ASIO monitored Greek migrants during the Cold War.

Soula Tsilimos recognised for nearly five decades of Greek language education in NSW

NSW Federation of Community Languages Inc held its Annual Gala Dinner at the Bankstown Sports Club, where Soula Tsilimos was recognised.

Oakleigh Grammar students shine at annual Techné 2025 Arts and Design Exhibition

Oakleigh Grammar hosted its annual Arts and Design Exhibition, Techné 2025, celebrating the creativity, innovation, and talent of students.

Hellenic Art Theatre delivers laughter and reflection with new comedy ‘Uncle Costa and Parthena’

The Hellenic Art Theatre has returned to the stage with a burst of humour, heart and community spirit, presenting its latest comedy.

You May Also Like

From Cyprus to Australia: A Greek Cypriot refugee’s story of loss and renewal

Georgia Yiannoukas’ early life in Paphos, Cyprus was without financial difficulties. She could never imagine she’d become a refugee.

Mitch Georgiades shines for Port Adelaide as the Greek helps Power reach top-four

Greek Australian Mitch Georgiades played a critical role in Port Adelaide's dominating win against Carlton on Saturday.

Erdogan insists on referring to the Aegean as ‘Sea of Islands’

The Turkish President also revisited the violent eviction of thousands of Greeks from Smyrna (modern-day Izmir) during the Greek-Turkish war of 1922.