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

Katerine Theodosis backed for Essendon as Labor members call for local vote

Katerine Theodosis is at the centre of a growing dispute within Labor’s Essendon branch after being chosen as the preferred candidate.

Nick Politis sells Gold Coast pub in record deal as hospitality portfolio grows

Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis has sold the Treetops Tavern on the Gold Coast for $50 million, marking a record price.

Benefit concert for Bondi victims scrapped after division within Australian Hellenic Choir

James Tsolakis has expressed disappointment after a planned Jewish-Greek benefit concert in Sydney was cancelled following objections.

Theo Hourmouzis to lead Anthropic expansion as Sydney office opens

Theo Hourmouzis has been appointed general manager by Anthropic, as the AI firm prepares to open its first Australian office.

Albanese plan targets tech giants with levy to fund journalism

Australia is moving to impose a 2.25% levy on major digital platforms unless they strike payment deals with Australian media companies.

You May Also Like

‘An important story to be told’: Why Helena Kidd turned her mother’s diary into a memoir 

Nearly ten years ago Helena Kidd came across her immigrant mother’s handwritten diary which she later on decided to turn into a memoir.

Man Utd bid for Olympiacos prodigy Mouzakitis as Arsenal and Real Madrid circle

Manchester United have reportedly submitted a €28 million bid for Olympiacos sensation Christos Mouzakitis.

Cheap flights to Athens in huge Scoot airlines sale

One of the world's biggest low-cost airlines, Scoot has offered some of the cheapest flights to Athens, Greece ever seen in Australia.