Greece battles dozens of wildfires as winds intensify
Greek firefighters are battling dozens of wildfires across the country as strong winds and dry conditions create dangerous conditions for the spread of flames.
Fire Service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said that between 6 p.m. Thursday and 6 p.m. Friday, 51 new fires broke out, bringing the total number of active wildfires being handled by emergency crews to 73.
Winds hamper firefighting efforts
High winds have limited the use of firefighting aircraft, with planes and helicopters unable to operate in many areas due to dangerous conditions. Aerial firefighting operations are also suspended overnight.
The most challenging fires are concentrated on the mainland, particularly in the wider Athens region and the nearby Viotia regional unit, according to the Fire Service.
Authorities have warned that Attica and the island of Evia face an extreme risk of new wildfires as dry vegetation and strong winds continue. Several other regions across Greece remain at very high risk on the national fire danger scale.
Fire services remain on heightened alert as weather conditions continue to complicate efforts to contain existing fires and prevent new outbreaks.
