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

Cyprus rejects Turkish claims of anti-Muslim alliance with Greece and Israel

Cyprus has pushed back against Turkish claims of a regional alliance, insisting their partnerships are peaceful and rooted in stability.

Iran ceasefire hangs in balance as Trump signals deal to come ‘relatively quickly’

Diplomatic efforts to stabilise the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran have intensified, as regional powers step up engagement.

Damon Hanlin issues defamation warning ahead of Sydney Olympic AGM

Damon Hanlin has issued a defamation concerns notice ahead of the club’s AGM, escalating ongoing tensions.

‘Lest we forget’: St Spyridon Parish in Sydney hosts moving ANZAC Day memorial

The St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Parish in Sydney has hosted a special ANZAC Day service, bringing together the community.

Final seats released as Sydney races to witness Mimis Plessas centenary tribute

Final seats have been released at City Recital Hall as demand surges for Sydney’s once-in-a-lifetime centenary tribute to Mimis Plessas.

You May Also Like

Vasili’s Taxidi: With Long History Comes Huge Success with Miloway Earlwood Wines

Miloway Earlwood Wines has a strong reputation for its diverse range of high-quality Greek and Cypriot products and great service, which has broadened their customer base nationwide.

Two dead from lightning strike as heavy storms cause destruction in western Greece

Thunderstorms swept western Greece on Tuesday causing flooding, power outages and claiming the lives of two people struck by lightning. One was a 35...

Melbourne and Mykonos named “most beautiful streets in the world”

CNN Travel conjugated a list of the 21 most beautiful streets in destinations around the world, which included Greece and Australia.