Forest Fires Salamis Greece: Two Dead

Warnings and Evacuations

According to the fire brigade, two people died in the fires. Details on identity and circumstances were initially not released. Rescue forces were deployed in large numbers, supported by firefighting aircraft and helicopters that took on water in the bay off Athens to combat the flames from the air.

Greek public broadcaster ERT reported on Sunday afternoon that the emergency services were tackling several, in some cases separate, fire fronts simultaneously. Strong winds and the August-typical heat in the Attica region made extinguishing work more difficult, the reporting continued.

Emergency Services Battle Multiple Fire Fronts

Local media also reported damage to residential buildings and agricultural land. The extent of the destruction was not yet fully known on Sunday. Cleanup work and damage assessment were to begin in the coming days, according to authorities.

Salamis lies only a few kilometres west of the capital Athens and is accessible by ferries and a narrow strait. The island is one of the most densely populated regions of Greece. In the summer weeks, forest fires occur regularly there and in the wider Attica region, fuelled by dryness, wind and occasional arson.

The agencies APA and AFP picked up the reports on Sunday and disseminated them internationally. The fire brigade also provided information via social media and asked the population to follow instructions and keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles.

Emergency Shelters and Supplies

Interior authorities and municipal administrations set up emergency shelters for evacuated residents. According to authorities, several dozen people were temporarily taken to assembly points. Supplies of water and medical assistance were ensured, it was said.

The Greek Ministry of Climate and Civil Protection announced that it would continue to closely monitor the course of the fires. The weather forecast predicted persistently high temperatures for the coming days, which could increase the risk of further fires. Authorities called on the population to be extra vigilant.

Forest Fires in Greece as a Summer Phenomenon

Forest fires are a recurring problem in Greece. In previous summers, fires in the Attica region and on the Peloponnese had already claimed multiple lives and destroyed thousands of hectares of forest. Fire brigade operations were also expected in the coming week if temperatures did not drop.