Greece wildfires: Hundreds evacuated as firefighters battle three huge blazes on island

Olivia Tobin14 August 2019

Hundreds of people have been forced to evacuate their homes after three huge wildfires devastated a Greek island.

Water-dropping planes and helicopters have been deployed to the island of Evia, where a huge blaze is burning through a protected nature reserve.

Residents from four villages and a monastery have had to flee as firefighters battle the wildfires, which broke out at about 3am on Tuesday.

More than 200 firefighters are working to control the infernos, with one member of the force being taken to hospital after suffering serious burns.

Water-dropping planes and helicopters have been deployed to the island of Evia
AP

The flames were fanned by strong winds, hampering efforts to control their spread and carrying smoke as far as the Greek capital, where the smell of burning wood lingered until late into Tuesday night.

The nature reserve is part of the European Union's Natura 2000 network of protected areas.

The wildfires broke out at about 3am on Tuesday 
EPA

Milder winds are predicted for Wednesday, and the fire department said the situation appeared much improved from the previous day although the fire had still not been brought under control.

Authorities said there were two active fronts to the blaze, and there had been occasional flare-ups during the night.

Greece Wildfires: August 2019 - In pictures

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A state of emergency was declared on Tuesday for the area affected by the fire, while Greece called on the European civil protection system for assistance, with Italy and Croatia pledging four firefighting planes.

Forest fires are common in Greece during the hot, dry summer months. Authorities have repeatedly warned the public not to engage in outdoor activities that could cause fires, such as welding work, burning weeds or lighting campfires and barbecues.

Parks and forest areas are closed to the public at times of high fire risk.

A state of emergency was declared
AFP/Getty Images

Last year, more than 100 people died when a fast-moving forest fire broke out in a seaside area north east of Athens and raged through a nearby settlement of mainly holiday homes.

The fire trapped people in their cars as they attempted to flee, while many others drowned as they tried to swim away from beaches overcome by heat and choking smoke.

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