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

Peter Tantalos honoured with Young Achievers Award at inaugural HACCI SA Gala

South Australian lawyer and The Greek Herald journalist Peter Tantalos received the Young Achievers Award at the inaugural HACCI SA Gala.

Liquidators examine Jon Adgemis’ Byron Bay property interests

Liquidators investigating failed pub baron Jon Adgemis are examining his former Byron Bay property interests.

Sexual assault retrial set for Brisbane hairdresser Dmitri Papas

The retrial of Brisbane hairdresser Dmitri Stelios Papas has been scheduled for February after his first trial was declared a mistrial.

Paul Nicolaou raises concerns over Sydney Town Hall Square project

Business Sydney's Paul Nicolaou has called for closer scrutiny of the City of Sydney’s plan to fast-track the $150m Town Hall Square project.

RBA leaves cash rate unchanged amid inflation concerns

The RBA has left the official cash rate unchanged at 4.35 per cent, opting to wait for further evidence that inflation is easing.

You May Also Like

Christopher Joannidis pleads guilty to crash that killed five people in Victoria

Christopher Joannidis has pleaded guilty to a deadly crash that claimed the lives of five people in northern Victoria last year.

Marble fragment discovered in wreck of Lord Elgin’s ship ‘Mentor’

The Mentor sank in September 1802 off the port of Avlemonas, in southeastern Kythira, after striking rocks.

Alleged baby abductor Ilias Sammy Latsis may withdraw guilty plea

Ilias Sammy Latsis appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court via video link on Tuesday suggesting he may withdraw his guilty plea.