Greece is facing severe wildfires at multiple locations across the country, prompting coast guard and firefighting units to urgently evacuate residents by sea after fires spread uncontrollably along the western coast of Athens.
Footage from Agios Vasilios shows flames continuously burning forests and vegetation, while firefighters struggle to control the situation amid strong gusty winds that prevent water-bombing planes from operating effectively.
The Greek coast guard reported deploying firefighting vessels alongside private boats to evacuate a total of 120 people trapped in the area, relocating them to nearby beaches outside the fire's path.
The wildfire erupted Friday morning, with more than 105 firefighters and 29 fire trucks mobilized to contain the blaze. However, unstable weather conditions have limited aerial firefighting to just one helicopter able to scoop water from the sea.
The affected area is a popular coastal tourist destination for Greeks during holidays. Authorities have issued additional evacuation orders in several locations, including another wildfire spreading in the western suburbs of Athens, where 95 firefighters, six helicopters, and five water-bombing planes are engaged in containment efforts.
The Greek fire department stated that many parts of the country remain at high to extreme risk of wildfires due to strong winds that can rapidly spread flames.
Earlier this week, three Greek firefighters died while combating wildfires. Two died after becoming trapped inside their vehicle during a major blaze on Crete Island, and one died during operations in the Peloponnese region, highlighting the severity of this year's wildfire season in Greece.
Source: AP
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