Greece has been plagued by daily outbreaks of dozens of fires over the past week as gale-force winds and hot, dry summer conditions combined to whip up flames and hamper firefighting efforts.
Firefighters tackled 111 blazes Friday, including 59 that broke out in the 24 hours between Thursday and Friday evenings, the fire department said. that have consumed homes and vast tracts of forest.
The fire department called on the public"to be particularly careful" and to follow directions by authorities"given that intense thunderstorm activity is occurring in various parts of the country." Firefighters found 18 bodies in a forest on Tuesday, one on Monday, and another Thursday. The 18 included two boys aged between 10 and 15. With nobody reported missing in the area, authorities believe the victims might have been migrants who recently crossed the border from Turkey.
More than 290 firefighters, backed by five planes and two helicopters, were battling the Evros blaze. Another 260 firefighters, four planes and three helicopters were tackling the Mount Parnitha fire.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Greek police arrest dozens for arson as EU's largest-ever wildfires rageGreek authorities have arrested dozens of people on arson-related charges as deadly wildfires – the largest ever recorded in the European Union – rage across the country.
Read more »
Greece Arrests ‘Arsonist Scum’ As Historic Wildfires Leave 21 DeadThe Greek government has arrested 140 people with wildfire-related charges, including 79 charged with arson.
Read more »
Greek fire officials arrest 2 for arson as multiple wildfires continue to burn across the countryFire department officials say two men have been arrested in different parts of Greece on suspicion of deliberately starting wildfires
Read more »
Greek fire officials arrest 2 for arson as multiple wildfires continue to burn across the countryFire department officials say two men have been arrested in different parts of Greece on suspicion of deliberately starting wildfires
Read more »
Two Arrested on Arson Charges for Allegedly Starting Greek WildfiresGreek fire department officials arrested two men on Saturday for arson after allegedly deliberately starting wildfires blamed for 21 deaths.
Read more »