Massive wildfires reported in Greece in last 24 hours

Published June 23rd, 2024 - 11:47 GMT
 Greece
This general view shows a smouldering house after a wildfire broke out in Kitsi, a southern suburb of Athens on June 19, 2024. An early heatwave has already gripped Greece, prompting authorities there to close the Athens Acropolis and other tourist attractions during the hottest hours of the day. (Photo by Sotiris DIMITROPOULOS / Eurokinissi / AFP)

ANKARA/ATHENS

Sixty-six wildfires broke out in Greece between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Saturday local time, media reports on said late Saturday.

A total of 52 were dealt with in their initial stages, while firefighting teams are dealing with another 14, noted state-run AMNA news agency.

Citing civil protection authorities said great efforts are currently underway to deal with the fires that broke out in the Kontodespoti area on Evia Island and the town of Sapci, or Sapes in Western Thrace.66 wildfires reported in Greece in last 24 hours

Meanwhile, 13 people were arrested in connection with a wildfire on the island of Hydra.

The suspects are accused of starting the fire by throwing fireworks while on a cruise on a yacht.

The Civil Protection Ministry warned of a very high risk of a wildfire in the Attica region which includes greater the Athens area and the adjacent port city of Pireaus pin Evia for Sunday because of extreme heat.

 

 

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