Two dead as Thessaloniki wildfire brought under control
A fast-moving wildfire near the village of Liti, northwest of Thessaloniki in northern Greece, has claimed two lives and injured one person, authorities said on Wednesday, after firefighters succeeded in containing the blaze.
The fire erupted on Tuesday in dry vegetation and spread rapidly under strong winds and high temperatures, threatening nearby residential areas and prompting precautionary evacuations in surrounding communities.
Firefighters recovered the body of a 66-year-old man in a forested area near the village. A second body was later found inside a house damaged by the fire.
Authorities have not yet officially identified the second victim, although local reports suggest it may be the missing 12-year-old son of the injured woman. An official identification is pending.
A 40-year-old woman was rescued from the same property with burn injuries and transported to a hospital in Thessaloniki, where she is receiving treatment.
More than 100 firefighters, supported by dozens of fire engines, water-dropping aircraft and helicopters, were deployed to battle the blaze under difficult weather conditions, according to the Fire Service.
Officials said the main fire front has now been contained, but firefighting teams remain at the scene to extinguish remaining hotspots, prevent flare-ups and secure the affected area. An investigation into the cause of the wildfire is underway.
