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Gale-Force Winds Fuel Greek Wildfires, Destroy Homes and Claim Three Lives

Emergency crews battle an out-of-control blaze southeast of Athens with hundreds of firefighters supported by EU aircraft under worsening weather conditions

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Overview

  • The Keratea wildfire remains uncontrolled after igniting Friday afternoon and has razed dozens of homes in communities southeast of Athens.
  • Fire authorities confirmed an older resident was found dead inside their house destroyed by flames in Keratea.
  • Hurricane-force gusts up to 88 km/h fanned multiple blazes and created hazardous seas that led to the drowning of two Vietnamese tourists on Milos.
  • More than 190 firefighters with 44 trucks, seven helicopters and 11 air tankers are deployed to fight fires near Athens and on Cefalonia and in the Peloponnese.
  • Ports around Athens have closed to ferry traffic, stranding tens of thousands of tourists and prompting evacuations in high-risk areas.