A fire southeast of Athens, fanned by strong winds and high temperatures, led to the evacuation of two localities, announced Greek authorities, who warned of a “very high risk” of fire in several regions.
A fire broke out in Koropi, a southeastern suburb of Athens. Fanned by strong winds, the fire spread quickly and led to the evacuation of two localities, Kitsi and Lambrica Koropi.
More than 70 firefighters, assisted by at least 10 planes and helicopters, are working to bring the fire under control. At the moment, the affected areas are mainly uninhabited, covered with olive trees and shrubs. Two houses, cars and boats were destroyed.
“Almost every ten minutes, a new fire breaks out. The Koropi fire started in low vegetation and continues. It spread quickly with the help of very strong winds, with gusts of 8 Beaufort”first declared the spokesperson for the firefighters.
This fire is the latest in a long series declared in Greece this week. The Mediterranean country also went through its first severe heat wave, with temperatures locally reaching more than 44°C.
Greece, accustomed to heat waves, has been preparing for weeks for a particularly difficult summer on the front of heatwaves and forest fires after having suffered the hottest winter in its history, the authorities have warned.
In Europe, heat-related mortality has increased by around 30% over the past 20 years.