Greece Wildfires Enter Third Day... Firefighting Support from Various European Countries

Rapid Spread Due to Heatwave and Strong Winds
Support from Italian and French Firefighting Aircraft, etc.

Three days have passed since the wildfire broke out in Greece, but the flames have yet to be contained. Meanwhile, European countries have joined the firefighting efforts to provide support and prevent further damage.

Greek firefighters extinguishing a wildfire
[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to foreign media including CNN on the 19th (local time), the wildfire that started on the 17th in the Dervenochoria area about 30km north of the capital Athens is still rapidly spreading due to high temperatures and strong winds.

On the second day of the wildfire, the 18th, the flames spread to the Mandra area west of Athens, causing residents to be forcibly evacuated. A video released by the Greek police showed residents reluctant to leave despite the fierce flames, and police pleading with them to evacuate, resulting in a struggle. The wildfire caused significant damage, with dozens of houses in the area burned down.

The wildfire also spread to the western coastal resort of Loutraki near Athens, where firefighting efforts have continued for three days. According to foreign media, firefighters are still working tirelessly overnight to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to facilities such as refineries located along the coast.

While two wildfires remain uncontrolled, a third wildfire broke out on the 18th on the southeastern Greek island of Rhodes. Dozens of houses were completely burned down, and hundreds of residents had to evacuate to escape the massive flames.

Accordingly, European Union (EU) allied countries are providing support for firefighting efforts. Greek authorities announced that they received four firefighting aircraft from Italy and France to join the firefighting operations.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged residents in the wildfire-affected areas to evacuate quickly, stating, "Saving lives is the top priority. Compensation for losses will be provided."

At the time the wildfire broke out, Prime Minister Mitsotakis was visiting Brussels, Belgium, to attend the Latin America and Caribbean Community (Celac) and EU Business Forum summit but reportedly returned early on the 18th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.