Greece is battling a wave of deadly wildfires that have forced mass evacuations on popular tourist islands. In Rethymno, on the north coast of Crete, around 8,000 people were evacuated overnight as gusts reached nearly 80mph. Authorities believe the blaze has destroyed several homes and large areas of agricultural land.
Firefighter deaths
Two firefighters died after becoming trapped in the flames. Greek Fire Service chief Theodoros Vagias identified them as 58-year-old Emmanouil Stratidakis and 25-year-old Pantelis Diamantakis. Both are due to be laid to rest on Thursday. A third firefighter was found unconscious near the southern Peloponnese port town of Gytheio.
New blaze on Paros
A new wildfire broke out on the island of Paros on the afternoon of July 30, in an area of low vegetation near Kampi. The fire, which began around midday, was largely brought under control by late Tuesday afternoon, but reignited after aerial firefighting operations were suspended overnight. Around 10 villages have been evacuated on Paros. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned of "difficult days" ahead, though the situation in Crete is improving.
Europe-wide crisis
Europe is experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons on record. Since the fires began spreading last Wednesday, around 360,000 people have been evacuated across France and Spain. In southwest France, an area four times the size of Paris has been burned near Bordeaux. Officials in Madrid said the fires are the worst the region has ever experienced. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated: "The climate emergency is worsening year after year, and we are required to be united to fight against fire, as well as in prevention and reconstruction."
