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.

According to the Greek Fire Service, 25 firefighters, assisted by eight fire engines, are working to contain the blaze, which erupted near the village of Kanalia, close to the town of Mouzaki, about 14 kilometers northwest of Karditsa, at the foothills of the Agrafa Mountains. 

Earlier on Friday, firefighters successfully brought another wildfire under control in the Kalamitsi area of the Kavala region in northern Greece. The operation involved 35 firefighters, seven fire engines, volunteers, and two water-dropping aircraft.

Greece experiences dozens of wildfires every day during its hot, dry summer season. Earlier this week, a wildfire near a village outside Thessaloniki claimed the lives of two people.

The Greek Fire Service warned that the risk of wildfires remains extremely high. On Saturday, very high fire danger is expected in the regions of Thessaloniki and Kilkis.

A high fire risk has also been forecast for Greater Athens, Evia Island, the Corinthia region in the northern Peloponnese, eastern Crete, the eastern Aegean islands, parts of Thessaly, including Mount Pelion, western Epirus, and Corfu.

Authorities urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant and strictly follow all fire safety instructions issued by emergency services.