Home / Disasters and Accidents / 2,500 flee French fires; Greece battles infernos
2,500 flee French fires; Greece battles infernos
1 Aug
Summary
- Thousands evacuated across France and Greece due to wildfires.
- Fires in Greece threaten villages near Athens; 10 houses destroyed.
- Strong winds exacerbate blazes, hindering firefighting efforts.
Wildfires continue to devastate parts of Europe, with significant blazes reported in southern France and Greece. In France's Var department, approximately 2,500 individuals were evacuated on Friday as a wildfire rapidly spread, scorching around 1,000 hectares within hours. Over 700 firefighters were deployed to combat this incident.
Greece is currently experiencing critical wildfire situations, especially northwest of Athens, with plumes of smoke visible from the capital. Several villages were evacuated as a precaution. The coastguard rescued 12 people from a beach near Porto Germeno, and at least 10 houses were destroyed in the region. Over 300 firefighters, supported by aircraft and helicopters, are engaged in battling these fires.
Strong winds are a major concern, fanning existing fires and making aerial operations impossible. Investigations suggest damaged electricity pylons may have caused the Greek fires. Authorities have issued the highest alert for the Athens region and southern Euboea, with lower alerts for Crete, the Peloponnese, and several Aegean islands, as very strong winds are expected to persist.
