- Two firefighting helicopters collided in Greece, killing two crew members, one Greek and one Danish, near Psatha.
- Water-dropping aircraft — five planes and five helicopters — took off at first light Monday to help fight a major wildfire west of Athens, Greece.
- The midair helicopter collision laid bare the danger at the most volatile front of Europe’s wildfire emergency.
- Gale-force winds had prevented water-dropping planes from operating, but winds were dying down Monday as nearly 500 firefighters battled the blaze.
- Greek authorities said the fire apparently began from sparks from a faulty power line linked to a private wind generator; an electrical engineer and a contractor were arrested for felony arson.
- Greece has devastating wildfires every summer, with the vast majority caused by negligence.
Two crew members died in a midair collision of firefighting helicopters near Psatha, Greece, while battling a major wildfire that has forced the evacuation of over 1,000 people. The collision highlights the dangers faced by firefighters during Europe’s wildfire emergency.1
The incident occurred as the crew attempted to combat a blaze that began Friday, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. The two deceased crew members included one Greek and one Danish national, while the crew of the second helicopter, comprising a Greek and a British national, sustained light injuries.
In response to the escalating fire, authorities issued evacuation orders for three additional areas early Monday. Over 250 people were rescued by boats from beaches, as flames advanced deeper into the region surrounding the Greek capital. Firefighters are working to create firebreaks to halt the blaze's progress, which has already ravaged pine forests and scrubland.
The fire reportedly ignited from sparks emitted by a faulty power line linked to a private wind generator facility. Two individuals have been arrested on felony arson charges related to the incident, with an arrest warrant issued for the wind generator company's owner.5
Greece faces a high risk of wildfires each summer, exacerbated by hot, dry conditions and strong winds. Authorities continue to warn of potential fire outbreaks as temperatures are expected to rise further.
“More than 1,000 people have been evacuated from the Athens region, including over 250 rescued by boats from beaches. Greek authorities say the fire started from sparks from a faulty power line linked to a private wind generator, and two people face felony arson charges.”
