Greece Mobilizes Emergency Crews to Combat Wildfire on Evia Island
Major Wildfire Prompts Emergency Response on Evia Island
Evacuation Orders and Firefighting Efforts
June 20 (Reuters) - Greek authorities ordered the evacuation of two settlements on Evia Island on Saturday and deployed dozens of firefighters, planes and helicopters to battle a major wildfire there.
Deployment of Resources
In a statement, the country's firefighting department said 88 firefighters and volunteers were working to extinguish the blaze. Eight firefighting aircraft and six helicopters have also been deployed to help the effort.
Evacuation Measures
Authorities said they have asked residents of two endangered communities to evacuate.
Challenges Facing Firefighters
Weather Conditions
Strong northerly winds were causing new fires, the firefighting department said.
Wildfire Hotspot and Climate Impact
Greece and other Mediterranean countries are in an area considered a wildfire hotspot by scientists, with blazes common during hot and dry summers.
Increasing Destruction and Calls for Change
These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate, prompting calls for a new approach.
(Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Rod Nickel)
