Μake us preferred on Google A handful of new wildfires broke out Friday in forested, low-vegetation and rural areas of Kos island, Crete and the Thessaloniki region, prompting the mobilization of ground crews, aircraft and helicopters as Greece remains on heightened alert during a period of elevated wildfire danger.
On the Dodecanese island of Kos, a wildfire broke out in a forested area near Pyli, with 15 firefighters operating six vehicles, assisted by volunteers, three aircraft and two helicopters. Municipal water tankers and heavy machinery were also deployed, while seven firefighters were due to be flown to the island.
In the Rethymno area of Crete, a wildfire broke out in rural and forested land near Fonikas, prompting authorities to issue an emergency alert ordering the precautionary evacuation of the settlements of Foteinari and Souda toward Korakas beach in Rodakino. Thirty-eight firefighters, three ground teams and eight vehicles were deployed, supported by four helicopters, volunteers and municipal water tankers and machinery.
A third wildfire broke out in low vegetation near Lachanas near Thessaloniki at about 6:30 p.m. Twenty-five firefighters, including a ground team were operating seven vehicles, with volunteers and two helicopters assisting the response.
The new incidents come after an intense week for Greece’s firefighting services.
On Aug. 1, firefighters responded to 59 rural and forest wildfires nationwide in 24 hours, with 14 active fronts remaining.
Major fires in Boeotia (Viotia) and Attica prefectures prompted evacuations and a large-scale response. A major wildfire in Halkidiki this week also spread rapidly under strong winds, prompting evacuation alerts before being brought under control.
