An elderly man has lost his life amid raging wildfires near Athens, which have rapidly spread across the region, prompting mass evacuations and emergency response measures. The unprecedented fire activity has left authorities on high alert, as strong winds fuel additional outbreaks across the country.**
Tragedy Strikes as Wildfires Devastate Southern Greece, Prompting Urgent Evacuations**
Tragedy Strikes as Wildfires Devastate Southern Greece, Prompting Urgent Evacuations**
Major wildfires in Greece have resulted in one fatality and widespread evacuations as emergency services struggle against fierce flames and strong winds.**
In a tragic turn of events, wildfires in southern Greece have resulted in the death of an elderly man as flames engulfed homes in the Keratea area, located southeast of Athens. The body of the victim was discovered in the Togani neighborhood, close to the initial outbreak site. The inferno ignited shortly after 14:00 local time on Friday, July 28, rapidly expanding from dry vegetation to residential zones. In the preceding 24 hours, Greece has faced more than 50 separate agricultural and forest fires, marking one of the most severe days for wildfires this summer season.
The fire service reported that strong winds, reaching speeds of up to 9 Beaufort, have exacerbated the situation, creating thick smoke and hampering efforts to combat the blaze. Evacuation warnings have been disseminated via the 112 civil protection service, urging thousands of residents in affected areas to leave immediately. Authorities successfully evacuated at least ten residents who initially refused to leave their homes, while seven different regions, including Synterina and Drosia, have been confirmed as evacuated.
Lavreotiki's mayor, Dimitris Loukas, emphasized the challenge of containing the fire, which now spans over seven kilometers and continues to advance towards populated areas. Firefighters, comprising 190 personnel and various ground and aerial resources, are engaged in extensive firefighting efforts, with support from international teams, including crews from the Czech Republic and Romania.
In a concerning update, another significant wildfire has broken out in Helidoni, part of the municipality of Ancient Olympia in western Greece. Fire officials express growing concern regarding ember flights sparking new fires, prompting evacuation alerts for nearby communities. Emergency workers have been battling flames in areas such as Grammatikos and Pelopio, with the risk of fire threatening critical infrastructures, including high-voltage power lines.
On top of this, one individual suffered severe burns while trapped at the Helidoni football field, highlighting the immediate dangers posed by the wildfires. Local authorities have mobilized emergency resources to manage the response as they brace for further outbreaks, particularly in regions like Attica and the Peloponnese. The situation remains critical as Greece faces ongoing high temperatures and dry conditions.
The fire service reported that strong winds, reaching speeds of up to 9 Beaufort, have exacerbated the situation, creating thick smoke and hampering efforts to combat the blaze. Evacuation warnings have been disseminated via the 112 civil protection service, urging thousands of residents in affected areas to leave immediately. Authorities successfully evacuated at least ten residents who initially refused to leave their homes, while seven different regions, including Synterina and Drosia, have been confirmed as evacuated.
Lavreotiki's mayor, Dimitris Loukas, emphasized the challenge of containing the fire, which now spans over seven kilometers and continues to advance towards populated areas. Firefighters, comprising 190 personnel and various ground and aerial resources, are engaged in extensive firefighting efforts, with support from international teams, including crews from the Czech Republic and Romania.
In a concerning update, another significant wildfire has broken out in Helidoni, part of the municipality of Ancient Olympia in western Greece. Fire officials express growing concern regarding ember flights sparking new fires, prompting evacuation alerts for nearby communities. Emergency workers have been battling flames in areas such as Grammatikos and Pelopio, with the risk of fire threatening critical infrastructures, including high-voltage power lines.
On top of this, one individual suffered severe burns while trapped at the Helidoni football field, highlighting the immediate dangers posed by the wildfires. Local authorities have mobilized emergency resources to manage the response as they brace for further outbreaks, particularly in regions like Attica and the Peloponnese. The situation remains critical as Greece faces ongoing high temperatures and dry conditions.
