Fires in western Greece contained, firefighters stay on alert

A fast-moving wildfire near Greece's Thessaloniki sparks evacuations as smoke blankets suburbs

A fast-moving wildfire has broken out near Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city, prompting evacuations in three suburbs

The Athens–Lamia National Road closed due to the fire in Akraifnio, Boeotia — where traffic is being diverted: 118 firefighters and 14 aerial units are operating

Strong winds are blowing in the area – earlier, a 112 alert was sent for readiness – Fire Service on general alert in Attica and Central Greece – See video The post The Athens–Lamia National Road closed due to the fire in Akraifnio, Boeotia — where traffic is being diverted: 118 firefighters and 14 aerial units are operating appeared first on ProtoThema English.

Portugal, Greece and Spain battle fast-moving wildfires, toxic smoke prompts warnings

Athens, July.5 (SANA) Hundreds of firefighters continued battling major wildfires across Portugal, Greece and Spain on Sunday, with Portugal receiving firefighting reinforcements from Spain and Italy as crews worked o contain a blaze that has burned for more than three days. In Greece, authorities warned residents in parts of Thessaloniki to stay indoors because of []

Toxic smoke blankets Greece's city after wildfire sparks factory fire

Greece's second-largest city, Thessaloniki, was blanketed by toxic smoke on Sunday after a wildfire set two factories ablaze on its outskirts, the Greek Fire Service said, reported Xinhua. Firefighters continued battling flames inside a recycling plant on Sunday, while a thick cloud of toxic smoke stretched for approximately 20 kilometers, according to Greece's national broadcaster ERT. Around 160 firefighters, assisted by volunteers, two water-dropping aircraft and two helicopters, remained engaged in firefighting operations, the Fire Service said. Five firefighters were hospitalized, mainly suffering from breathing difficulties caused by smoke inhalation. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors, keep their windows closed and avoid unnecessary travel, especially children, older people and those with respiratory conditions. Police arrested a 76-year-old man in connection with the fire, saying he admitted that sparks from his vehicle ignited dry vegetation while he was performing dangerous maneuvers.

Wildfires Spread Across Western Greece

Greek firefighters continue to battle a major wildfire burning in a mountainous area in western Thessaly, as authorities deployed five water-dropping aircraft to support crews working on the ground.