Milan, 16 August (LaPresse) – Two people have died in the widespread fires raging on the island of Salamina, a Greek island near the capital Athens. The Greek daily Kathimerini reports this, explaining that two fires are currently burning: the first broke out in the Peristeria area, in a wooded area near a settlement, whilst the second is raging in the Selinia area. Firefighting resources have been stepped up and 146 firefighters are now at work on the ground, alongside nine teams of hikers from the 1st Special Forestry Operations Unit (EMODE) and 32 vehicles, as well as volunteers. At the same time, four fire-fighting aircraft and six helicopters are carrying out aerial water drops, whilst the fire brigade’s efforts are being supported by water tankers provided by the local council. In an interview with ERT television, the mayor of Salamina, Giorgos Panagopoulos, stated that he had been informed that some homes had been engulfed by the flames. He also emphasised that boats had been requested to evacuate the population. Due to the fire on Salamina, a series of alerts have been issued via the 112 emergency number, with the authorities urging residents and people in various parts of the island to move to safer locations.
Greece: fires on the island of Salamis – two dead
Milan, 16 August (LaPresse) – Two people have died in the widespread fires raging on the island of Salamina, a Greek island near the capital Athens. The Greek daily Kathimerini reports this, explaining that two fires are currently burning: the first broke out in the Peristeria area, in a wooded area near a settlement, whilst the second is raging in the Selinia area. Firefighting resources have been stepped up and 146 firefighters are now at work on the ground, alongside nine teams of hikers from the 1st Special Forestry Operations Unit (EMODE) and 32 vehicles, as well as volunteers. At the same time, four fire-fighting aircraft and six helicopters are carrying out aerial water drops, whilst the fire brigade’s efforts are being supported by water tankers provided by the local council. In an interview with ERT television, the mayor of Salamina, Giorgos Panagopoulos, stated that he had been informed that some homes had been engulfed by the flames. He also emphasised that boats had been requested to evacuate the population. Due to the fire on Salamina, a series of alerts have been issued via the 112 emergency number, with the authorities urging residents and people in various parts of the island to move to safer locations.