Two die in Salamina wildfires as nearly 600 evacuated

An elderly couple has died and nearly 600 people have been evacuated by sea after two wildfires broke out within 20 minutes on the Greek island of Salamina, near Athens.

Fire Service spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakoyannis said the fires started at 2:43 p.m. and 3:03 p.m. on Sunday.

The first fire broke out in a forested area near homes in Peristeria, in southern Salamina. Firefighters arriving at the scene found the elderly couple, Vathrakoyannis said.

Strong winds fuel fires

Strong winds have made the fires difficult to contain. Authorities had placed the area under a very high fire risk warning because of the weather conditions.

A local resident told media that the first fire started in an area filled with rubbish.

Firefighters battle flames

Around 260 firefighters are operating on the island, supported by 15 units from the Fire Service’s Special Forest Operations Force, volunteers and 58 fire engines.

Ten firefighting aircraft and seven helicopters were also deployed, with another helicopter coordinating the aerial operation. The aircraft were expected to stop operating after nightfall because of limited visibility.

Nearly 600 evacuated by sea

Authorities said 593 people were evacuated from Saterli beach, west of Peristeria, by sea.

A Fire Service speedboat and two Coast Guard vessels remained in the area to assist with the evacuation and emergency response.

Ten injured

Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis said 10 people were injured, mainly from burns or smoke inhalation, with five requiring hospitalization.

Among those hospitalized was a woman who suffered second-degree burns.

The fires have also destroyed homes and vehicles, while firefighting crews continue efforts to prevent the flames from spreading.

Source-Photo:Kathimerini