The Civil Protection Ministry has declared a general state of alert due to extreme weather conditions in Greece, including blistering temperatures and strong winds.
A current total of 42 fires have been reported nationwide, only 30 of which have been successfully contained. Civil Protection sources noted several incidents required aerial support.
The efforts in containing the wildfire located near Sofiko, Corinth have involved 22 aerial vehicles, 140 firefighters, six forest firefighting teams and 37 vehicles.
The wildfire in the forested area of Agios Vlassis is said to be advancing towards Epidaurus.
According to AMNA, no homes are currently at risk as firefighters have continued their operation. However, residents are being informed to remain vigilant given the emergency stratus of the situation.
These efforts have not come without casualties however, as one firefighter from Sofiko reportedly suffered a heart attack while three others have sustained minor injuries.
In Athens, amid their tenth day in the heatwave, the Acropolis was forced to temporarily close. Primary schools and nurseries have also closed, as the heatwave persists.
According to Reuters, six tourists have lost their lives since the increased heat in June.
The highest temperature on Wednesday was recorded in Oleni, Ilia, in the Peloponnese, at 42.2°C. Reports indicate these very high temperatures are expected to continue.
Source: AMNA.
