Wildfire Near Thessaloniki Claims One Life
Over 100 firefighters were deployed on Tuesday to combat a rapidly spreading wildfire near Thessaloniki in northern Greece. The fire has resulted in the death of a man, whose body was discovered in a burnt area close to Liti, approximately 15km (nine miles) northwest of Thessaloniki.
A woman sustained burns to her hands while attempting to extinguish the flames. Firefighting efforts have been significantly challenged by hot and windy weather conditions.
Firefighting Efforts and Conditions
Dozens of fire engines and at least seven aircraft participated in a large-scale operation late on Tuesday to contain the fire. Firefighters confronted a wall of flame estimated to be around 5km long, which continued to spread.
The wildfire ignited at approximately 14:30 local time (11:30 GMT) and quickly advanced into a nearby forested area. The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time.
The region was under a high wildfire risk warning on Tuesday due to dry conditions and strong winds, factors that have complicated containment efforts and caused multiple flare-ups.
Evacuations and Damage
Residents of Liti were advised to evacuate their homes as the fire progressed. Greek broadcaster ERT reported that a small number of properties had been damaged by the flames. The fire was advancing toward the nearby village of Melissochori by Tuesday evening.
Context of Wildfires in Greece
This incident represents the latest in a series of forest fires in Greece as the country approaches its peak tourist season. Wildfires have become increasingly common during the summer months, exacerbated by recurring droughts and heatwaves.
