Status: 23.08.2021 4:03 p.m.
Fires raged for ten days on the second largest Greek island of Evia and destroyed several hectares of forest. Now a new fire has broken out in the south of the island. There is also another fire near Athens.
Less than two weeks after the devastating forest fires in the north of Evia, a new fire broke out in the south of the Greek island. 64 firefighters, 26 vehicles, nine helicopters and a fire-fighting aircraft fought the flames, the fire department said.
The fire broke out early in the morning near the village of Fygia and was spreading towards the seaside resort of Marmari. The flames were brought under control after a few hours.
Some residents of Fygia have been brought to safety, according to the Greek news agency ANA. In addition, the authorities had provided ships to evacuate Marmari as a precaution. The Greek civil defense had previously predicted an increased risk of fire in several areas of the country.
The fire brigade also fought a fire northwest of Athens. The fire department said that it had flared up near the spot where a large fire broke out a week ago near Vilia. The Vilia fire was brought under control on Friday, but strong winds threatened to rekindle the flames. Almost 300 emergency services, including firefighters from Romania, put out small fires that flared up again.
116,000 hectares of forest burned to date
Greece experienced the worst heat wave in decades in August, which was accompanied by a devastating forest fire season. Dozens of fires broke out every day across the country. 116,000 hectares of forest have so far gone up in flames, thousands had to flee from the flames. At least three people were killed.
More than a dozen people were arrested on suspicion of arson, including a 14-year-old. The Greek government blames climate change for the worst heat wave in decades and the associated forest fires.