Wildfire forces evacuations in northern Greek resort of Halkidiki
Firefighters backed by aircraft and helicopters battle blaze threatening additional settlements.
Evacuations ordered
A major wildfire forced the evacuation of two settlements in the northern Greek summer resort of Halkidiki on Thursday, according to local media.
The settlements of Siviri and Fourka were ordered to evacuate as the fire spread rapidly and remained out of control, public broadcaster ERT reported.
Firefighters, supported by Moldovan colleagues and assisted by firefighting planes and helicopters, were deployed to battle the blaze.
Fire threatens further settlements
Stratos Gitsoudis, president of the Association of Greece’s Forest Firefighters, told ERT that the situation was serious as strong winds were contributing to the rapid spread of the fire.
He warned that the blaze was threatening additional settlements in the area.
According to ERT, the fire started after a spark was generated when an electric pole fell because of the strong winds.
Firefighting teams continued efforts to contain the blaze as authorities worked to protect residents and visitors in the affected resort area.
