Greece Wildfires: Villages Evacuated by Sea

Powerful winds fueled wildfires near northern Greek resorts on Thursday, compelling locals and vacationers to flee villages in the Halkidiki region.

Residents and visitors boarded boats in coastal Siviri as flames consumed nearby forests, with thick smoke filling the skies. Over 300 individuals were evacuated by vessel from Siviri, a scenic peninsula south of Thessaloniki. The maritime rescue involved patrol craft, firefighting boats, and local fishing vessels.

More than 140 firefighters, supported by nine aircraft and seven helicopters, battled the blazes. One firefighter was injured, and traffic was halted. The fire brigade stated their focus was on extinguishing the fire and ensuring safe transport for people.

This event occurs amidst a broader European trend of intensified wildfire activity. Successive heatwaves have exacerbated drought conditions across the continent, leaving vegetation extremely dry and leading to an active wildfire season in countries like France, Spain, and Greece, which have seen unprecedented land scorched.

In France, approximately 1,200 people were evacuated from a campsite near a beach in northern France due to two wildfires. While one blaze was under control, the second faced unfavorable conditions, spreading south. The French environment minister noted that heatwaves could incur costs up to €15 billion ($17 billion).