Greece's worst wildfire this year spread into the Athens suburbs on Monday, forcing hundreds of people to flee as it torched trees, homes, and cars overnight and choked busy roads with smoke and ash.

The government has called in help from fellow EU members to tackle the fire that is burning out of control for a second day, fanned by gale force winds that pushed it from the wooded hills north of the city.

Firefighters said flames, threatening apartment blocks, schools, and businesses, had reached the deepest into the capital for over two decades.

More than 700 firefighters, backed by volunteers, 199 fire engines, and 35 waterbombing aircraft, have been battling the conflagration that broke out at 3 p.m. on Sunday near the village of Varnavas, 35 km (20 miles) north of Athens.

Greece has activated the European Civil protection mechanism and is expecting assistance from France, Italy, and the Czech Republic with aircraft and firefighters. It has also been offered help by Spain and Turkey.

"The situation remains extremely difficult," said Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, a fire brigade spokesperson. "There are continuous flare-ups, constantly creating new outbreaks and spreading rapidly, aided by very strong winds."

Summers in Greece have long been marked by wildfires, but hotter, drier weather linked to climate change has made blazes more frequent and intense. Wildfires fanned by extreme heat have also raged in parts of Spain and the Balkans.

As the flames closed in on backyards on the outskirts of Athens, some residents in the wooded and hilly Penteli neighbourhood stayed put, trying to put out pockets of fire using hoses or tree branches as smoke swirled around them.

"It hurts, we have grown up in the forest, we feel great sadness and anger," said 24-year-old resident Marina Kalogerakou, her mouth and nose covered by a red bandana as she poured a bucket of water on a burning tree stump.

Another resident, Pantelis Kyriazis, crashed his car as he tried to escape the encroaching flames. "I couldn't see, I hit a pine tree and this is what happened," he said, gesturing towards his damaged car and nursing a bleeding elbow.

Columns of smoke rose over the horizon and a burning smell cloaked Athens. The fire reached Vrilissia, around 14 km (8 miles) from the heart of the capital, albeit with highways separating the suburb from the city centre.

To the north, at the epicentre of the fire, firefighters and residents took stock of the damage: abandoned homes and vehicles gutted by fire; hillsides blackened; trees reduced to sticks.

"Thirty years I was building all this," said 81-year-old Vassilis Stroubelis as he stood in the entrance of his damaged home. "Thirty years and bam."

<h2>Residents evacuated</h2>

There were so far no reports of deaths. Thirteen people were treated by rescuers and medical staff for smoke inhalation and two firefighters for burns, Vathrakogiannis said.

More than 30 areas were forced to evacuate residents, along with at least three hospitals, and power cuts occurred in parts of the wider Athens region. Passenger ferries heading to the port of Rafina northeast of the capital were diverted.

In the community of Rampentosa, north of Athens, 75-year-old Michalis Tsourtis said he fled when he heard flames coming towards him "with a roar".

But others stayed behind, lamenting that they had been left to their own devices.

"Three, four policemen came to tell us to leave. We know that if we leave, no one will defend our house," 71-year-old Sofia Giannopoulou said.

Police had so far helped evacuate more than 250 people, and some residents spent the night in shelters.

The southeastern Mediterranean country this year experienced its warmest winter on record and is on track for its hottest ever summer. Large areas of Greece, including the location of this week's blaze, have seen little or no rain for months.

Greece is on high fire alert at least until Thursday, with strong winds and temperatures forecast to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Authorities have called for an emergency response involving the army, police, and volunteers during that period.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Greece's worst wildfire this year spread into the Athens suburbs on Monday, forcing hundreds of people to flee as it torched trees, homes, and cars overnight and choked busy roads with smoke and ash.

Greece's worst wildfire this year spread into the Athens suburbs on Monday, forcing hundreds of people to flee as it torched trees, homes, and cars overnight and choked busy roads with smoke and ash. The government has called in help from fellow EU members to tackle the fire that is burning out of control for a second day, fanned by gale force winds that pushed it from the wooded hills north of the city. Firefighters said flames, threatening apartment blocks, schools, and businesses, had reached the deepest into the capital for over two decades. More than 700 firefighters, backed by volunteers, 199 fire engines, and 35 waterbombing aircraft, have been battling the conflagration that broke out at 3 p.m. on Sunday near the village of Varnavas, 35 km (20 miles) north of Athens. Greece has activated the European Civil protection mechanism and is expecting assistance from France, Italy, and the Czech Republic with aircraft and firefighters. It has also been offered help by Spain and Turkey. "The situation remains extremely difficult," said Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, a fire brigade spokesperson. "There are continuous flare-ups, constantly creating new outbreaks and spreading rapidly, aided by very strong winds." Summers in Greece have long been marked by wildfires, but hotter, drier weather linked to climate change has made blazes more frequent and intense. Wildfires fanned by extreme heat have also raged in parts of Spain and the Balkans. As the flames closed in on backyards on the outskirts of Athens, some residents in the wooded and hilly Penteli neighbourhood stayed put, trying to put out pockets of fire using hoses or tree branches as smoke swirled around them. "It hurts, we have grown up in the forest, we feel great sadness and anger," said 24-year-old resident Marina Kalogerakou, her mouth and nose covered by a red bandana as she poured a bucket of water on a burning tree stump. Another resident, Pantelis Kyriazis, crashed his car as he tried to escape the encroaching flames. "I couldn't see, I hit a pine tree and this is what happened," he said, gesturing towards his damaged car and nursing a bleeding elbow. Columns of smoke rose over the horizon and a burning smell cloaked Athens. The fire reached Vrilissia, around 14 km (8 miles) from the heart of the capital, albeit with highways separating the suburb from the city centre. To the north, at the epicentre of the fire, firefighters and residents took stock of the damage: abandoned homes and vehicles gutted by fire; hillsides blackened; trees reduced to sticks. "Thirty years I was building all this," said 81-year-old Vassilis Stroubelis as he stood in the entrance of his damaged home. "Thirty years and bam." Residents evacuated There were so far no reports of deaths. Thirteen people were treated by rescuers and medical staff for smoke inhalation and two firefighters for burns, Vathrakogiannis said. More than 30 areas were forced to evacuate residents, along with at least three hospitals, and power cuts occurred in parts of the wider Athens region. Passenger ferries heading to the port of Rafina northeast of the capital were diverted. In the community of Rampentosa, north of Athens, 75-year-old Michalis Tsourtis said he fled when he heard flames coming towards him "with a roar". But others stayed behind, lamenting that they had been left to their own devices. "Three, four policemen came to tell us to leave. We know that if we leave, no one will defend our house," 71-year-old Sofia Giannopoulou said. Police had so far helped evacuate more than 250 people, and some residents spent the night in shelters. The southeastern Mediterranean country this year experienced its warmest winter on record and is on track for its hottest ever summer. Large areas of Greece, including the location of this week's blaze, have seen little or no rain for months. Greece is on high fire alert at least until Thursday, with strong winds and temperatures forecast to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Authorities have called for an emergency response involving the army, police, and volunteers during that period. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Greece battles largest wildfire of the year, calls for EU assistance

Firefighters were battling a series of wildfires near the Greek capital Athens on Sunday afternoon, as the country braces for another scorching summer.

Greece faces a tough wildfire season after its warmest winter and earliest heatwave on record, with temperatures hitting 44°C (111&nbsp;°F).&nbsp;

Two large wildfires were raging in Attica Sunday afternoon, with residents told to evacuate from eight areas near the capital.

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Some 140 firefighters, with teams of forest commandos, 39 vehicles, eight helicopters and nine aircraft were working to control the flames in Keratea, south of Athens.

Ertnews channel reported that at least four houses were completely destroyed.&nbsp;

"The situation is very difficult, as strong winds continue to blow, they have not subsided and the outbreaks are many," the mayor of Lavreotiki, Dimitris Loukas, told Athens News Agency.&nbsp;

"We are fighting a great battle."

He warned that "the wind is very strong and is constantly creating outbreaks".

However he said that the nearby military air base was not currently in danger from the flames.

It came a day after another wildfire had erupted in the same area, sparking evacuation orders but was later successfully controlled.&nbsp;

North of Athens, another blaze ignited in the suburb of Stamata and authorities&nbsp;sent emergency messages for inhabitants to evacuate.

Fire brigade spokesman Vasileios Vathrakogiannis said it was "the most difficult day of the year so far for the Fire Brigade."

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<h2>Island fires</h2>

A fire also broke out Sunday in an industrial zone in Ritsona, near the island of Evia.&nbsp;

Black smoke has filled the sky above Ritsona after the fire started in a recycling factory, burning various flammable materials that were in the grounds around it, including tyres and mattresses.&nbsp;

Firefighters are positioned along the old Ritsona national road and are fighting to prevent the flames from spreading beyond the recycling plant to other factories in the area.

The fire is also near a refugee centre, but the Athens News Agency reported that this was not believed to be in danger.

Separately, a large wildfire broke out on Serifos island on Saturday afternoon, but was also brought under control by firefighters early Sunday.

"All of southwestern Serifos has burned. We are talking about an area where the fire stopped at the sea," Serifos mayor Konstantinos Revintis told MEGA TV.&nbsp;

The fire caused damage to houses, cottages, warehouses and chapels, according to the mayor.

The Fire Danger Forecast Map issued for Sunday by the Civil Protection Ministry predicted a very high category 4 risk of fire for Attica, the Peloponnese, Crete, the North and South Aegean Regions, and central Greece.&nbsp;

A wildfire ignited Saturday afternoon in the area of Mount Parnitha-- known as "the lungs of Athens" -- was controlled Saturday evening with the help of reinforcements from other regions as well as volunteer firefighters.

More than forty wildfires erupted across Saturday in Greece with wind speeds exceeding 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour, according to fire brigade sources.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called on Greeks to brace for a difficult wildfire season in his weekly Facebook post on Sunday.

"The difficult times are still ahead of us. Our effort is continuous. In this effort, our allies are new tools that build a new culture of prevention and responsibility," he said.

Firefighters were battling a series of wildfires near the Greek capital Athens on Sunday afternoon, as the country braces for another scorching summer. Greece faces a tough wildfire season after its warmest winter and earliest heatwave on record, with temperatures hitting 44°C (111 °F).

Firefighters were battling a series of wildfires near the Greek capital Athens on Sunday afternoon, as the country braces for another scorching summer. Greece faces a tough wildfire season after its warmest winter and earliest heatwave on record, with temperatures hitting 44°C (111 °F). Two large wildfires were raging in Attica Sunday afternoon, with residents told to evacuate from eight areas near the capital. Also read | Hungary's PM Viktor Orban unveils new far-right bloc in European Parliament Some 140 firefighters, with teams of forest commandos, 39 vehicles, eight helicopters and nine aircraft were working to control the flames in Keratea, south of Athens. Ertnews channel reported that at least four houses were completely destroyed. "The situation is very difficult, as strong winds continue to blow, they have not subsided and the outbreaks are many," the mayor of Lavreotiki, Dimitris Loukas, told Athens News Agency. "We are fighting a great battle." He warned that "the wind is very strong and is constantly creating outbreaks". However he said that the nearby military air base was not currently in danger from the flames. It came a day after another wildfire had erupted in the same area, sparking evacuation orders but was later successfully controlled. North of Athens, another blaze ignited in the suburb of Stamata and authorities sent emergency messages for inhabitants to evacuate. Fire brigade spokesman Vasileios Vathrakogiannis said it was "the most difficult day of the year so far for the Fire Brigade." Also read | Hurricane Beryl, rare for this time of the year, has already set a few records Island fires A fire also broke out Sunday in an industrial zone in Ritsona, near the island of Evia. Black smoke has filled the sky above Ritsona after the fire started in a recycling factory, burning various flammable materials that were in the grounds around it, including tyres and mattresses. Firefighters are positioned along the old Ritsona national road and are fighting to prevent the flames from spreading beyond the recycling plant to other factories in the area. The fire is also near a refugee centre, but the Athens News Agency reported that this was not believed to be in danger. Separately, a large wildfire broke out on Serifos island on Saturday afternoon, but was also brought under control by firefighters early Sunday. "All of southwestern Serifos has burned. We are talking about an area where the fire stopped at the sea," Serifos mayor Konstantinos Revintis told MEGA TV. The fire caused damage to houses, cottages, warehouses and chapels, according to the mayor. The Fire Danger Forecast Map issued for Sunday by the Civil Protection Ministry predicted a very high category 4 risk of fire for Attica, the Peloponnese, Crete, the North and South Aegean Regions, and central Greece. A wildfire ignited Saturday afternoon in the area of Mount Parnitha-- known as "the lungs of Athens" -- was controlled Saturday evening with the help of reinforcements from other regions as well as volunteer firefighters. More than forty wildfires erupted across Saturday in Greece with wind speeds exceeding 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour, according to fire brigade sources. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called on Greeks to brace for a difficult wildfire season in his weekly Facebook post on Sunday. "The difficult times are still ahead of us. Our effort is continuous. In this effort, our allies are new tools that build a new culture of prevention and responsibility," he said.

Greece fights dozens of wildfires in 'most difficult day of year'

The Greece wildfire has been declared the "largest ever" recorded in the European Union's history as the country struggles to tame the raging flames.

“This wildfire is the largest in the EU since 2000, when the European Forest Fire Information System (Effis) began recording data,” the EU’s civil protection service said on Tuesday (Aug 29).

The forest fires, which began on August 19, have burned more than 310 sq miles (810 sq km) – an area bigger than New York City, it said.&nbsp;

At least 20 people have lost their lives, 18 of them are migrants whose bodies were found in a region that is often used as an entry point from neighbouring Turkey.

Greece’s fire service told AFP news agency that the blaze was “still out of control” in the north-east region’s Dadia National Park, which is a vital sanctuary for birds of prey.

European Commission spokesperson Balazs Ujvari has said that the bloc has mobilised almost half of its firefighting air wing to help tackle the raging forest fires, which began on August 19.

<h2>EU mobilising water-dumping planes, firefighters&nbsp;</h2>

Eleven planes, one helicopter, and 407 firefighters from the EU fleet have been dispatched to help Greece counter the fire raging in the Dadia National Park, the EU spokesman said.

The EU has called on a fleet of 28 aircraft, 24 water-dumping planes and four helicopters, supplied by member countries to help battle blazes in the bloc and in neighbouring territories.

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It is working on creating a standalone, EU-funded air wing of 12 aircraft that will be fully in place by 2030, the spokesperson said.

<h2>EU official commits full support&nbsp;</h2>

“We do know that fires are getting more severe. If you look at the figures every year in the past years, we are seeing trends which are not necessarily favourable, and that calls for of course more capacities at the member states’ level,” Ujvari said.

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This year's summer has been the worst for the European country as it has encountered numerous fires, which the government and experts believe are linked to the climate crisis.

The EU air deployment "underscores our commitment to swift and effective collective action in times of crisis," the EU's commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarcic said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Greece wildfire has been declared the "largest ever" recorded in the European Union's history as the country struggles to tame the raging flames. “This wildfire is the largest in the EU since 2000, when the European Forest Fire Information System (Effis) began recording data,” the EU’s civil protection service said on Tuesday (Aug 29).

The Greece wildfire has been declared the "largest ever" recorded in the European Union's history as the country struggles to tame the raging flames. “This wildfire is the largest in the EU since 2000, when the European Forest Fire Information System (Effis) began recording data,” the EU’s civil protection service said on Tuesday (Aug 29). The forest fires, which began on August 19, have burned more than 310 sq miles (810 sq km) – an area bigger than New York City, it said. At least 20 people have lost their lives, 18 of them are migrants whose bodies were found in a region that is often used as an entry point from neighbouring Turkey. Greece’s fire service told AFP news agency that the blaze was “still out of control” in the north-east region’s Dadia National Park, which is a vital sanctuary for birds of prey. European Commission spokesperson Balazs Ujvari has said that the bloc has mobilised almost half of its firefighting air wing to help tackle the raging forest fires, which began on August 19. EU mobilising water-dumping planes, firefighters Eleven planes, one helicopter, and 407 firefighters from the EU fleet have been dispatched to help Greece counter the fire raging in the Dadia National Park, the EU spokesman said. The EU has called on a fleet of 28 aircraft, 24 water-dumping planes and four helicopters, supplied by member countries to help battle blazes in the bloc and in neighbouring territories. Also read | Russian intelligence chief to take over Wagner's Africa operations: Report It is working on creating a standalone, EU-funded air wing of 12 aircraft that will be fully in place by 2030, the spokesperson said. EU official commits full support “We do know that fires are getting more severe. If you look at the figures every year in the past years, we are seeing trends which are not necessarily favourable, and that calls for of course more capacities at the member states’ level,” Ujvari said. Also read | Netanyahu imposes new rules for 'secret diplomatic meetings' This year's summer has been the worst for the European country as it has encountered numerous fires, which the government and experts believe are linked to the climate crisis. The EU air deployment "underscores our commitment to swift and effective collective action in times of crisis," the EU's commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarcic said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Greece wildfires dubbed 'largest ever' recorded in European Union's history

As Greece reels under a devastating wave of wildfires, the country's authorities&nbsp; have&nbsp;arrested several dozens of people for starting wildfires on purpose. The country’s fire department officials arrested two men in the latest instance over charges of arson.

One was arrested on the island of Evia for setting dried grass on fire in the Karystos area. The man also confessed to having set four other fires in the area in July and August. &nbsp;A second man was arrested in the Larissa area of central Greece, who was also accused of intentionally setting fire to dried vegetation.

<h2>Greece govt vows strict action</h2>

Vassilis Kikilias, Greece’s climate crisis and civil protection minister, said Thursday (August 24) that their acts were “despicable.” 
 
“Some … arsonists are setting fires, endangering forests, property and above all human lives,” Kikilias said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-can-become-indias-gateway-to-europe-says-greece-foreign-minister-gerapetritis-628735">Also read:&nbsp;Greece can become India`s gateway to Europe, says Foreign Minister Gerapetritis</a>

“What is happening is not just unacceptable, but despicable and criminal,” he added.

“You are committing a crime against the country,” Kikilias said. “We will find you. You will be held accountable to justice,” he added.

Watch:&nbsp;Greece wildfires: Temperature in Greece touches 41 degree Celsius

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The minister reported that within a span of four hours on Thursday morning, nine fires were deliberately ignited in the Avlona region, situated in the northern foothills of Mount Parnitha. This mountain is among the last remaining green spaces on the outskirts of Athens.

On the same day, a 45-year-old individual was arrested by the police on suspicion of committing arson. He is believed to be responsible for starting a minimum of three fires within the Avlona vicinity. Upon searching his residence, law enforcement discovered materials such as kindling, a fire torch gun, and pine needles.

<h2>About 80 people arrested so far</h2>

According to a BBC report published Friday (August 25), at least 80 people have been arrested so far in a crackdown aimed at reining in arsonists.

Greece has been grappling with a daily surge of numerous fires during the past week. Gale-force winds and the dry, hot conditions of summer have united to inflame these blazes and impede the efforts of firefighting teams.&nbsp;

On Friday, firefighters dealt with a total of 111 fires, with 59 of them erupting between Thursday and Friday evenings, according to the fire department.

Although the majority of these fires were swiftly brought under control during their initial stages, a few escalated into extensive infernos that devoured homes and extensive stretches of forest.

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As Greece reels under a devastating wave of wildfires, the country's authorities have arrested several dozens of people for starting wildfires on purpose. The country’s fire department officials arrested two men in the latest instance over charges of arson.

As Greece reels under a devastating wave of wildfires, the country's authorities have arrested several dozens of people for starting wildfires on purpose. The country’s fire department officials arrested two men in the latest instance over charges of arson. One was arrested on the island of Evia for setting dried grass on fire in the Karystos area. The man also confessed to having set four other fires in the area in July and August. A second man was arrested in the Larissa area of central Greece, who was also accused of intentionally setting fire to dried vegetation. Greece govt vows strict action Vassilis Kikilias, Greece’s climate crisis and civil protection minister, said Thursday (August 24) that their acts were “despicable.” “Some … arsonists are setting fires, endangering forests, property and above all human lives,” Kikilias said. Also read: Greece can become India`s gateway to Europe, says Foreign Minister Gerapetritis “What is happening is not just unacceptable, but despicable and criminal,” he added. “You are committing a crime against the country,” Kikilias said. “We will find you. You will be held accountable to justice,” he added. Watch: Greece wildfires: Temperature in Greece touches 41 degree Celsius × The minister reported that within a span of four hours on Thursday morning, nine fires were deliberately ignited in the Avlona region, situated in the northern foothills of Mount Parnitha. This mountain is among the last remaining green spaces on the outskirts of Athens. On the same day, a 45-year-old individual was arrested by the police on suspicion of committing arson. He is believed to be responsible for starting a minimum of three fires within the Avlona vicinity. Upon searching his residence, law enforcement discovered materials such as kindling, a fire torch gun, and pine needles. About 80 people arrested so far According to a BBC report published Friday (August 25), at least 80 people have been arrested so far in a crackdown aimed at reining in arsonists. Greece has been grappling with a daily surge of numerous fires during the past week. Gale-force winds and the dry, hot conditions of summer have united to inflame these blazes and impede the efforts of firefighting teams. On Friday, firefighters dealt with a total of 111 fires, with 59 of them erupting between Thursday and Friday evenings, according to the fire department. Although the majority of these fires were swiftly brought under control during their initial stages, a few escalated into extensive infernos that devoured homes and extensive stretches of forest. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Greece wildfires: Police arrest several dozens of ‘arsonists’ for starting new fires

European Union-backed Copernicus Climate Change Service has said that wildfires in Greece are turning out to be largest recorded on European soil in years. The fires have burned for a seventh day as of Friday (August 25). They have destroyed tens of thousands of hectares of land in the northeast alone.&nbsp;

"Greece is going through the most difficult year, in terms of climatic conditions, in the history of recording and collecting meteorological data," government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis told a regular briefing.

He said that the firefighters were fighting 517 wildfires&nbsp;that&nbsp;had broken out across Greece since last Friday. The fires are fuelled by high temperature and sometimes gale force winds.

Greece often witnesses summer wildfires. The government has said that conditions linked by scientists to climate change have made situation more intense this year.

"It is the combination of high temperatures, drought and winds that unfortunately create the ideal conditions for wildfires with extreme behaviour," Marinakis said.

"It is a very difficult summer."

In a post&nbsp;on social media platform X (formerly Twitter),&nbsp;Copernicus said&nbsp;that the wildfire in northeastern Greece that began on Saturday near the city of Alexandroupolis in northeastern Greece was "the largest recorded on European soil in years," burning a total of 72,344 hectares so far.

As of Friday, the fire was still burning.

Hundreds of people have had to flee their homes to escape the wildfires. Even hospital patients were briefly evacuated by a ferry earlier this week.

On Friday, authorities said that a charred body believed to be of a migrant was found in a forested area of Evros region. It is a region in northwestern part of the country.

This has brought total number of those who have been killed by the fire outbreak of the summer to 21. Almost all of them are presumed to be migrants. Eighteen bodies were found together, burnt beyond recognition, near the village of Avantas. The discovery was made on Tuesday.

<h2>79 arsonists arrested: Report</h2>

BBC has reported that Greek authorities have arrested 79 persons on the charge&nbsp;of arson related to wildfires. Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias has said that arsonists have made several attempts to start new fires.

"You are committing a crime against the country," Kikilias said in a televised emergency briefing.

"Arsonist scum are setting fires that threaten forests, property and, most of all, human lives."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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European Union-backed Copernicus Climate Change Service has said that wildfires in Greece are turning out to be largest recorded on European soil in years. The fires have burned for a seventh day as of Friday (August 25).

European Union-backed Copernicus Climate Change Service has said that wildfires in Greece are turning out to be largest recorded on European soil in years. The fires have burned for a seventh day as of Friday (August 25). They have destroyed tens of thousands of hectares of land in the northeast alone. "Greece is going through the most difficult year, in terms of climatic conditions, in the history of recording and collecting meteorological data," government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis told a regular briefing. He said that the firefighters were fighting 517 wildfires that had broken out across Greece since last Friday. The fires are fuelled by high temperature and sometimes gale force winds. Greece often witnesses summer wildfires. The government has said that conditions linked by scientists to climate change have made situation more intense this year. "It is the combination of high temperatures, drought and winds that unfortunately create the ideal conditions for wildfires with extreme behaviour," Marinakis said. "It is a very difficult summer." In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Copernicus said that the wildfire in northeastern Greece that began on Saturday near the city of Alexandroupolis in northeastern Greece was "the largest recorded on European soil in years," burning a total of 72,344 hectares so far. As of Friday, the fire was still burning. Hundreds of people have had to flee their homes to escape the wildfires. Even hospital patients were briefly evacuated by a ferry earlier this week. On Friday, authorities said that a charred body believed to be of a migrant was found in a forested area of Evros region. It is a region in northwestern part of the country. This has brought total number of those who have been killed by the fire outbreak of the summer to 21. Almost all of them are presumed to be migrants. Eighteen bodies were found together, burnt beyond recognition, near the village of Avantas. The discovery was made on Tuesday. 79 arsonists arrested: Report BBC has reported that Greek authorities have arrested 79 persons on the charge of arson related to wildfires. Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias has said that arsonists have made several attempts to start new fires. "You are committing a crime against the country," Kikilias said in a televised emergency briefing. "Arsonist scum are setting fires that threaten forests, property and, most of all, human lives." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Greek wildfires are worst in Europe in years, says EU-backed climate service

As wildfires rage on the Greek island of Rhodes for the seventh day, more than 2,000 holidayers have been evacuated on Monday (July 24th). Upcoming trips have been cancelled by tour operators as fires remain out of control on Tuesday (July 25th).

Reuters reports that even as repatriation flights continued on&nbsp;Tuesday, the nation's Civil Protection authority warned that almost every part of Greece remains in the grip of a record-breaking heatwave, and that the threat of further blazes remains high.

<h2>Dutch ministry&nbsp;issues&nbsp;travel warning </h2>

The Dutch foreign ministry has issued a travel warning for Rhodes, and the nearby islands of Corfu and Evia, that have also seen wildfires break out in recent days.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, in Rhodes, some 20,000 people were forced to leave their homes and hotels as the "inferno" that began last Tuesday reached the coastal resorts on the island's southeast over the weekend.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-2500-tourists-evacuated-from-greek-island-of-corfu-amid-raging-wildfires-618841">Around 2,500 tourists evacuated from Greek island of Corfu amid raging wildfires</a>

The Greek islands, as per Reuters, are popular with sun seeking European tourists, mostly from Britain and Germany.

TUI, which is one of the world's largest tour operators, announced that it was cancelling trips to the island on Friday. In lieu, it offered free cancellations and rebooking to other locations.&nbsp;

<h2>Evacuations amid&nbsp;firefighting </h2>

Talking to Reuters, fire brigade spokesperson Ioanis Artopios said,&nbsp;"Firefighting forces have not stopped operating since Tuesday."

"Crews have been heading from Athens to replace their colleagues... they are working in very tough conditions amid extreme heat," added Artopios.

As per the spokesperson, on Monday, hundreds of people were also evacuated from areas other than the southeast coastal resort areas, while seven firefighting aircraft would continue to battle the flames until nightfall.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-one-killed-after-bridge-collapses-in-patras-rhodes-wildfire-forces-thousands-to-evacuate-618648">Greece: One killed after bridge collapses in Patras; Rhodes wildfire forces thousands to evacuate</a>

In addition, Greek coastguards vessels have been patrolling the coastline, evacuating tourists by the sea.

As per the Greek government, authorities are carrying out the largest evacuation ever undertaken in the nation.

<h2>We are at&nbsp;war: PM&nbsp;</h2>

"For the next few weeks, we must be on constant alert. We are at war. We will rebuild what we lost, we will compensate those who were hurt," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament, as quoted by Reuters.

"The climate crisis is already here, it will manifest itself everywhere in the Mediterranean with greater disasters," he said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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As wildfires rage on the Greek island of Rhodes for the seventh day, more than 2,000 holidayers have been evacuated on Monday (July 24th). Upcoming trips have been cancelled by tour operators as fires remain out of control on Tuesday (July 25th).

As wildfires rage on the Greek island of Rhodes for the seventh day, more than 2,000 holidayers have been evacuated on Monday (July 24th). Upcoming trips have been cancelled by tour operators as fires remain out of control on Tuesday (July 25th). Reuters reports that even as repatriation flights continued on Tuesday, the nation's Civil Protection authority warned that almost every part of Greece remains in the grip of a record-breaking heatwave, and that the threat of further blazes remains high. Dutch ministry issues travel warning The Dutch foreign ministry has issued a travel warning for Rhodes, and the nearby islands of Corfu and Evia, that have also seen wildfires break out in recent days. Over the weekend, in Rhodes, some 20,000 people were forced to leave their homes and hotels as the "inferno" that began last Tuesday reached the coastal resorts on the island's southeast over the weekend. Also read | Around 2,500 tourists evacuated from Greek island of Corfu amid raging wildfires The Greek islands, as per Reuters, are popular with sun seeking European tourists, mostly from Britain and Germany. TUI, which is one of the world's largest tour operators, announced that it was cancelling trips to the island on Friday. In lieu, it offered free cancellations and rebooking to other locations. Evacuations amid firefighting Talking to Reuters, fire brigade spokesperson Ioanis Artopios said, "Firefighting forces have not stopped operating since Tuesday." "Crews have been heading from Athens to replace their colleagues... they are working in very tough conditions amid extreme heat," added Artopios. As per the spokesperson, on Monday, hundreds of people were also evacuated from areas other than the southeast coastal resort areas, while seven firefighting aircraft would continue to battle the flames until nightfall. Also read | Greece: One killed after bridge collapses in Patras; Rhodes wildfire forces thousands to evacuate In addition, Greek coastguards vessels have been patrolling the coastline, evacuating tourists by the sea. As per the Greek government, authorities are carrying out the largest evacuation ever undertaken in the nation. We are at war: PM "For the next few weeks, we must be on constant alert. We are at war. We will rebuild what we lost, we will compensate those who were hurt," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament, as quoted by Reuters. "The climate crisis is already here, it will manifest itself everywhere in the Mediterranean with greater disasters," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'We are at war': Authorities issue warning as wildfires batter Greek island of Rhodes for the seventh day

More 250 firefighters backed by water-dropping aircraft struggle to contain a large wildfire fanned by strong winds in eastern Greece. Watch report.

Wildfires in Eastern Greece: 5 settlements forced to evacuate