- Two firefighting helicopters collided near Athens, resulting in the deaths of two crew members as wildfires continue to spread across Greece.
- Wildfires have been spreading across Greece, with gale-force winds exacerbating the situation and forcing evacuations in multiple areas.
- In Greece, authorities ordered evacuations in towns such as Agia Paraskevi and Kryo Pigadi, warning of extreme wildfire risk across several regions.
- In France, a fire in the Var department forced nearly 2,500 people to evacuate after it flared up again, burning 1,800 hectares before stabilizing.
- Spain is battling several wildfire hot spots as conditions worsen, particularly in Leon, while a fire in Zamora that burned about 11,000 hectares has improved enough for some towns to reopen.
Two Greek firefighting helicopters collided while battling a wildfire near Athens, leading to the deaths of a Greek and a Danish crew member. The incident highlights the perilous conditions faced by firefighters as wildfires rage across Greece, exacerbated by gale-force winds exceeding 73 kph (45 mph).12
The collision occurred as nearly 500 firefighters and 23 aircraft were deployed to combat the flames, which have spread rapidly through dry forests. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his condolences, stating, "The loss of the Greek coordinator and the Danish pilot... fills us all with grief."
In Greece, wildfires have forced evacuations in towns such as Agia Paraskevi and Kryo Pigadi, with authorities warning of extreme wildfire risks across Boeotia, Attica, and Evia. The fire near Porto Germeno has affected an estimated 40 to 50 square kilometers (15 to 19 square miles).34
Meanwhile, wildfires in France and Spain continue to pose significant threats. In France, nearly 2,500 people were evacuated as a fire flared up again, while Spain battles multiple hotspots after declaring an end to a national emergency. The continent is experiencing its worst fire season on record, with climate change exacerbating the situation.5
As Europe faces unprecedented wildfire challenges, the need for effective firefighting resources and strategies has never been more critical.
“First responder Giorgos Doulas said winds exceeded 73 kph (45 mph) and the fire's direction could not be easily determined near Porto Germeno, 60 km northwest of Athens. More than 200 people were evacuated by sea from Agios Vasileios, and authorities warned of extreme wildfire risk in Boeotia, Attica and Evia on Sunday.”
KCCI
