Widespread Destruction and Tragedy: Greece Battles Largest Blaze in EU as 20 Lives Lost in Devastating Wildfires
Multiple wildfires in Greece have caused widespread devastation, with 20 people dead and the largest recorded blaze in the EU. Arson is suspected in some cases, and help from other European countries has been requested. The EU links the wildfires to climate change. Fires in Spain's Canary Islands and northwestern Turkey are also being controlled.;
Multiple wildfires are wreaking havoc in Greece, with the northeastern region of Alexandroupolis experiencing the largest recorded blaze in the European Union. The wildfires have claimed the lives of 20 people, including 18 migrants who crossed the border from Turkey. The fire has burned more than 730 square kilometers and has resulted in the destruction of homes and widespread evacuations of villages and hospitals.
Over 200 wildfires have ignited in Greece since the beginning of the week.
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]Firefighters have been hindered by strong winds and hot, dry conditions. Greece's Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister, Vassilis Kikilias, has stated that arson is to blame for some of the blazes near Athens, with nine fires being set in just four hours in the Avlona area. A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson, and authorities have vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
Greece has requested assistance from other European countries, and firefighting forces from Germany, Sweden, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania, France, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Albania, and Slovakia have been deployed to help combat the wildfires. The European Union has attributed the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires to climate change. In Spain's Canary Islands and northwestern Turkey, fires are also being brought under control.