Greece: Forest fire, hundreds of tourists evacuated

On July 12, a large forest fire occurred on Greek island of Skiathos damaging many homes and forcing hundreds of tourists to evacuate. No information about casualties.

The fire broke out in a pile of rubbish near the coastal town of Aghia Paraskevi and quickly spread to pine forests under the help of high winds. Three Aghia Paraskevi, Troulos and Kolios resorts are located in the south of the affected island.

80 firefighters, of which 50 were tasked by the aircraft, with 7 fire engines, 3 water sprayers and 2 helicopters that struggled to fight the fire. Four aircraft and 40 other firefighters were also taken from Athens to Skiathos to help with the fire.

Authorities said more than 120 fires occurred across Greece (Photo: AFP)

'The situation is out of control. We do everything we can to protect our residents, 'said Nikos Plomaritis, Mayor of Skiathos.

By the end of the day, statistics showed that hundreds of houses were badly damaged. ½ island lost power. About 500 visitors, including many families with young children, had to stay temporarily on the island's dock. The fire at Skiathos took place less than a day after the big fire near Rethymnon on the southern island of Crete, killing three firefighters and four severely burned people.

Also on July 12, many other fires also occurred in central Greece (3 groups), Crete (2 groups), northern Greece (1 crowd). All were extinguished.

Unusual hot weather in recent weeks has led many places in Greece to become the prey of the 'firewoman', causing the government to issue a fire warning and deploy firefighters to dangerous areas.

WALL VY