Firefighters battle "wall of fire" on Greece's Euboea island
30 July 2024 14:46
Over 200 firefighters are battling a fire on Euboea, Greece's second-largest island. According to the authorities, it is one of the season's most dangerous fires. Residents of some areas have been called to evacuate.
Due to climate change, destructive fires appear more frequently in Greece year by year. This summer, the country has already fought hundreds of fires, and the government has announced that it is preparing for an especially difficult fire season.
The fire in the eastern part of Euboea broke out on Monday afternoon. It is unknown where or when the flames first appeared. Firefighters battled the blaze all night. According to the authorities, the situation improved somewhat on Tuesday.
The operation involves over 200 firefighters, supported by planes and firefighting helicopters. One firefighter was slightly injured.
Recordings published by Euro News show the extent of the battle against the fire. Journalists speak of a "wall of fire."
The eKathimerini portal reported that a fire department spokesperson said the fire on Euboea is one of the toughest in the current season so far.
Greek media also reported that just yesterday, in various parts of the country, including the islands, fires broke out in over 50 locations.
On Tuesday, a warning of very high fire risk (level four on a five-point scale) was issued for Attica and Greece's largest island, Crete.
Heatwaves and fires. Greece has been battling them for several months
The dangerous situation in Greece has persisted since late spring. Hundreds of firefighters fought 70 forest fires in various parts of the country in late June and early July, including the islands of Andros and Salamis. At that time, strong winds hampered the firefighting effort, leading to the creation of new hotspots.
In 2021, 48,560 hectares of forest burned on Euboea, about one-third of the island's forested area.
