Firefighters are working around the clock to contain a wildfire in Vouprasio, western Greece, to prevent it from reaching the protected Strofilia Forest. This unique coastal ecosystem, known for its rare umbrella pines, remains at risk as strong winds complicate containment efforts.
Tag: firefighting efforts
A wildfire broke out Thursday in Elos, located in the Kissamos municipality on Crete, and is currently burning fiercely. The fire brigade has deployed 27 fire engines and 70 firefighters, along with ground teams, to combat the blaze. Strong winds, reaching up to 8 on the Beaufort scale, are complicating efforts to control the fire, which is consuming scrubland in the area.
A wildfire ignited in the Vagia area of Serifos on Tuesday morning, October 29, prompting a swift response from the fire brigade. Ground crews and an aircraft are battling the blaze, while reinforcements from Paros, including four firefighters and a fire engine, are on their way by ferry to assist. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure community safety.
A large wildfire has broken out in the Ilia region of Greece, spreading across multiple fronts and threatening several settlements due to strong winds. Firefighters, aided by aerial support, are battling the flames in Geraki, Panopoulos, and Nea Manolada, but conditions remain challenging. Authorities warn that the fire is advancing rapidly towards residential areas, putting homes at risk.
Two friends, aged 35 and 40, tragically lost their lives battling a massive wildfire near Xylokastro, Corinth, Greece. The men, volunteering to help a friend threatened by the flames, became trapped by the rapidly spreading inferno. Leaving behind young families, the heroes are remembered for their selflessness as firefighters continue to struggle against the blaze.
Greece saw a 24% reduction in burnt land during 2024, despite facing its toughest fire season in 40 years. Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias credited the success to coordinated firefighting efforts, rapid response strategies, and advanced technology, including drones and aerial patrols. The government’s €2.1 billion investment in civil protection also played a crucial role in mitigating fire damage.
The wildfire on Mt. Pangeo has been burning for six days, with extensive firefighting operations underway. A total of 46 fire engines, 25 ground firefighters, and multiple aerial units are working to control the blaze, which has already scorched hundreds of acres of forest and scrubland. Although the fire poses no immediate threat to populated areas, precautionary fire zones have been established around nearby settlements.
By Tuesday morning, the wildfire situation in Attica improved with weaker winds. Despite this, scattered blazes continued. Tragically, a charred body, believed to be a 60-year-old woman, was found in a burned building on Stratonikis Street in Patima Halandriou.
On Sunday, Greece was hit by over 60 wildfires, with 45 igniting in the afternoon alone due to intense lightning activity, particularly in Attiki, Viotia, and Evia. Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias reported that while significant fires in several areas, including Aliveri and Nafplio, have been contained, the blaze in Aghios Athanassios is only partially under control.
A massive fire in Patras on Tuesday led to the evacuation of Karamandaneio Children's Hospital, Konstantopouleio nursing home, and Merimna center. Gale-force winds worsened the blaze, causing explosions and thick smoke. Despite firefighting efforts, hotspots persist. Authorities have issued 112 emergency alerts, urging immediate evacuation of affected areas.
On Friday, a wildfire erupted near the open-pit mine field of Megalopoli in the southern Peloponnese region of Greece. Authorities quickly sprang into action, issuing emergency 112 alerts to nearby residents.
Cyprus has recorded a second death from heatstroke during a severe heatwave exceeding 40°C. The extreme weather has hampered firefighting efforts, leading to significant forest damage and evacuations in threatened communities.