Μake us preferred on Google Multiple wildfires broke out across Greece within hours Friday afternoon, prompting the mobilization of firefighting forces, volunteers and residents in several parts of the country.
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On the northeast Aegean island of Lemnos (Limnos), a wildfire that started in a landfill in the Thanos area spread beyond the landfill grounds, prompting a major response.
A firefighting force of 26 firefighters, including one ground team, nine vehicles, six firefighting aircraft and one helicopter was deployed to the area. Three firefighting aircraft also flew from Alexandroupolis on the mainland to assist ground teams.
The fire’s situation later improved, according to the fire brigade.
Meanwhile, a coordinated operation involving the coast guard and private vessels evacuated 59 people from Thanos beach, transporting them to the port of Myrina.
A SMS emergency alert was issued, followed by a second message ordering the evacuation of two areas. Authorities mobilized a fire-arson crimes investigation unit to determine the cause of the wildfire.
The latest outbreaks come after a particularly active wildfire season, with incidents recorded across mainland Greece and the islands since early summer.
Recent fires have affected areas including Attica, Thessaloniki, Crete, Skyros and the Peloponnese, with firefighting forces repeatedly dealing with multiple simultaneous fronts, strong winds and difficult terrain.
On the central Aegean island of Skyros, a major wildfire in August prompted the deployment of extensive ground teams and aerial assets, while fires in eastern Attica and other parts of the greater Athens-Piraeus area have also required large-scale responses.
The season has underscored the continuing pressure on firefighting forces as Greece faces recurring periods of high fire danger during the summer months.
