Latest news with #GrigorisAlexopoulos
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Climate
- Wales Online
UK tourists warned wildfires have broken out in popular travel hotspots
UK tourists warned wildfires have broken out in popular travel hotspots Wildfires have broken out across Greece and people have been told to evacuate amid a national emergency - and UK holidaymakers are being warned about the blazes Flames spread rapidly across a large area due to strong winds after a wildfire in the Fotia region of Patra, Greece. (Image: Yannis Andritsopoulos/Anadolu via Getty Images) British holidaymakers are being cautioned about wildfires erupting throughout Greece. Emergency crews are tackling blazes whilst residents have been evacuated from areas surrounding the Ionian islands. Authorities have mandated the evacuation of numerous villages as severe drought conditions and powerful winds have accelerated the fire's spread. Significant blazes have been burning across Zante, Kefalonia and Chios. Greek officials have confirmed that forests, agricultural land and properties have sustained damage nationwide. Additional structures affected include storage facilities, farm buildings, small churches and retail premises. This development follows warnings to tourists about extreme temperatures expected in Spain following the declaration of an uncommon "red" emergency alert there. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The Hellenic Fire Service confirmed that dozens of firefighters have been combating a blaze in Kefalonia's Athera region. Article continues below A statement posted on its X account read: "Fire in an agroforestry area in the Athera region, #Kefalonia . "32 #firefighters were mobilized with 2 groups of hikers of the 16th #EMODE , volunteers, 8 vehicles and 2 helicopters. Assistance from local water authorities.", reports Chronicle Live. Greek emergency services have reportedly confronted approximately 106 fires nationwide. Roughly 63 of these incidents are believed to have been logged on Tuesday, according to the Mirror. Greek authorities have declared elevated fire risks across the following areas: The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has issued over a dozen evacuation orders for parts of western Greece. In an announcement made on Wednesday, officials highlighted a high risk on the mainland and Ionian islands. It will keep you abreast with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East. Greek authorities have called for EU firefighting aircraft in an effort to halt the spread of the blaze. Holidaymakers caught up in the swift advance of the flames have been evacuated from beaches on Chios. The most significant fire ignited near Flogeraika, in western Achaia, yesterday. Officials subsequently evacuated all surrounding villages and settlements. The mayor of western Achaia described the fires in the region as "out of control." Grigoris Alexopoulos stated yesterday that some coastal areas were "irreparably damaged." Greek authorities cautioned that conditions could worsen in the upcoming days. Several homes have been razed in Agalas village in Zakynthos. Three distinct fires have reportedly been spotted near Koiliomeno, Keri and Lithakia. Article continues below Enormous fires have been observed spreading across the countryside in Vounteni, on the outskirts of Patras. The fires could be seen consuming much of the nearby hills as residents fled. The fires in Greece have occurred amidst soaring temperatures across Europe. Red heat alerts have been issued in regions of Italy, Spain and Portugal with temperatures reaching a sweltering 44C in Seville and Cordoba.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Major warning for Irish tourists after thousands evacuated from hotels in two popular sunshine spots as wildfires rage
HOLIDAY ALERT Major warning for Irish tourists after thousands evacuated from hotels in two popular sunshine spots as wildfires rage DOZENS of wildfires have erupted in holiday hotspots across Greece and Spain, prompting evacuations, power outages and appeals for help. Firefighters across Greece and Spain are battling to contain fierce wildfires that have been spreading since early yesterday, 12 August. Advertisement 3 The fires have been fuelled by fierce winds and dry conditions as temperatures soar Credit: Carlow weather 3 The popular tourist islands of Zante and Chios in Greece have been hit by the wildfires Credit: EPA Thousands have been evacuated in both countries, many from popular tourist hotspots, due to the severity of the fires. In Tarifa, Cádiz, southern Spain, more than 2,000 people have been evacuated from hotels and beaches as smoke from nearby dry fields and forests spreads across the area. A volunteer Spanish firefighter has been killed amid ongoing efforts to control the raging fires. The victim, a 35-year-old volunteer, had been trying to create firebreaks near the north-central town of Nogarejas when he became trapped in the blaze. Advertisement Over 5,000 people have since been evacuated in the region, with efforts concentrated on preventing the flames from reaching smaller towns. Several people have also been reportedly hospitalised across the country due to wildfires over the last few days. In Greece, firefighters are fighting to contain a wildfire menacing the country's third-largest city, Patras. The western Achaia region in the Peloponnese, to which Patras belongs, has also seen around 20 villages evacuated so far. Advertisement The popular tourist islands of Zante and Chios are also currently on fire, with the Greek coastguard saying it has helped evacuate nearly 80 people from the area. Nearly 5,000 firefighters assisted by 33 aircraft have since been deployed to contain these flames. Watch horror moment lorry bursts into flames on busy Irish road as major 'avoid if possible' warning issued The mayor of West Achaia, Grigoris Alexopoulos, told the Greek news agency ANA that "The catastrophe is very big". He added: "82 fires broke out, a very high number which, combined with violent winds, drought and high temperatures, has created huge difficulties in the extinction efforts" Advertisement These fires have been fuelled by fierce winds and dry conditions, which have baked southern Europe in a heatwave all week. Portugal, Montenegro, and Albania are also currently fighting blazes.
Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Climate
- Extra.ie
'We are being cooked alive' - Wildfires rage across Europe as warnings issued
Firefighters battling wildfires in Greece have spoken of their fears for the area due to intense drought and strong winds fanning the fires around popular holiday destinations. Emergency services are evacuating tourists and locals from areas being ravaged by the massive blazes around Zante, Kefalonia, and Chios. The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection issued more than a dozen evacuation orders for parts of the country, with warnings of more to come because of the high risk on the mainland and the Ionian Islands. Flames and smoke rise from burning trees while firefighters continue their efforts to extinguish the fire that broke out in the forest area near the Komotini, Greece. Pic: Ayhan Mehmet/Anadolu via Getty Images The authorities in Greece have appealed for EU Firefighting aircraft to help tackle the infernos in an attempt to stop the spread of the flames, with the mayor of Achaia admitting that the fires in that region are 'out of control'. Mayor Grigoris Alexopoulos said some areas of the coast have been 'irreparably damaged', while tourists who had been trapped by the flames on a beach in Chios have been safely evacuated from the area. Greece is not the only country to be under threat of wildfires due to the intense heatwave engulfing Europe at the moment, with red alerts issued in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy, as temperatures continue to rise across the continent. Residents look at flames as a wildfire rages near Palaia Fokaia, some 45 Km south of Athens. Pic: Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images Scientists believe that global warming is giving the Mediterranean region much hotter, drier summers, with the number of wildfires growing year on year. The Mayor of Vila Real in Portugal said 'We are being cooked alive – this cannot continue,' as a large wildfire continues to rage on the edges of the city. On the outskirts of the Spanish capital Madrid, a man who had been working at a horse stable died in a fire that reached some houses and farms, but was later brought under control. CÁCERES, SPAIN – AUGUST 04: An INFOEX forest firefighter extinguishes a blaze during a fire in Cerro de los Pinos on August 04, 2025 in Cáceres, Spain. Firefighters from Cáceres and INFOEX forest firefighters are battling fires, as high temperatures continue to put the Extremadura region at extreme risk of further wildfires. (Photo by Carlos) Firefighting resources are said to be stretched to breaking point in many affected areas, as they attempt to battle multiple blazes caused by weeks of intense heatwaves and soaring temperatures. Aircraft used for fighting wildfires are being flown between blazes on the Greek mainland and the island of Zakynthos, while the city of Athens has sent some of its firefighting crews to neighbouring Albania, joining an international effort to combat dozens of wildfires there.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Greece battles wildfire near Patras as heatwave fuels blazes across Europe
ATHENS: Firefighters are working tirelessly to control a wildfire threatening Greece's third-largest city Patras, one of more than 20 fires prompting the country to request European Union support. Strong winds and arid conditions have intensified fires nationwide during a heatwave affecting southern Europe, with Spain, Portugal, Montenegro and Albania also combating blazes. Since early Wednesday, Greece mobilised 4,850 firefighters and 33 aircraft to tackle the crisis, according to fire service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis. He described the situation as 'a very difficult day', noting 15 firefighters required hospital treatment after battling multiple fires. Conditions near Patras showed slight improvement, but a new fire near the ancient Voudeni archaeological site endangered forests and homes while shrouding the area in dense smoke, an AFP journalist observed. A health facility was evacuated on Tuesday, along with a vehicle storage yard containing 100 cars, while several houses sustained damage. Approximately 20 villages were evacuated in the Peloponnese's western Achaia region, where Patras is located. 'The catastrophe is very big,' West Achaia mayor Grigoris Alexopoulos told Greek news agency ANA. Additional fires raged on tourist destinations Zante and Chios, the latter still recovering from June's devastating blaze that destroyed over 4,000 hectares. Coastguard teams assisted nearly 80 evacuations from Chios and areas near Patras. Temperatures in western Greece, including the northwest Peloponnese, were forecast to approach 40C on Wednesday by national weather service EMY. Greece formally requested four water bombers through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism on Tuesday to reinforce firefighting capabilities. 'This is undoubtedly the toughest 24 hours of the fire season,' firefighter union president Kostas Tsigkas told broadcaster ERT. He noted 82 fires erupted on Tuesday alone, exacerbated by strong winds, drought and extreme heat creating 'huge difficulties' for crews. Gusts reaching 88 kph have swept Greece since last week, worsening a deadly wildfire south of Athens that claimed one life. European Forest Fire Information System data shows Greece has lost over 22,000 hectares to wildfires this year. – AFP
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Climate
- RTÉ News
Evacuations as wildfires rage in Greece, Spain
Thousands of people have been evacuated as wildfires continue to rage across parts of Greece and Spain, as high temperatures and strong winds create difficult conditions for firefighters. Firefighters battled to contain a wildfire menacing Greece's third-largest city Patras, one of over 20 blazes that have forced the country to appeal for EU help. Fierce winds and dry conditions have fuelled fires across the country in a week where a heatwave has baked southern Europe, with Spain, Portugal, Montenegro and Albania also fighting blazes. Since dawn, 4,850 firefighters and 33 planes were mobilised across Greece, fire service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said. Greece was faced with "a very difficult day", with 15 firefighters taken to hospital after battling fires on various fronts, he added. The situation improved outside Patras but a new fire near the ancient archaeological site of Voudeni threatened forested zones and homes, and the area is covered by a thick cloud of smoke. In the western Achaia region in the Peloponnese, to which the coastal city of Patras belongs, around 20 villages have been evacuated. "The catastrophe is very big," the mayor of West Achaia, Grigoris Alexopoulos, told Greek news agency ANA. Other fronts were burning on the popular tourist island of Zante and the Aegean island of Chios, scarred by a huge wildfire in June that ravaged more than 4,000 hectares. The Greek coastguard said it had helped evacuate nearly 80 people from Chios and near Patras. Temperatures are due to come close to 40 degrees Celsius in parts of western Greece, including the northwest Peloponnese, national weather service EMY forecast. Greece has requested four water bombers from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to bolster its resources. Yesterday, "82 fires broke out, a very high number which, combined with violent winds, drought and high temperatures, has created huge difficulties in the extinction efforts", he added. Winds reaching up to 88km/h per hour have lashed the country since last week, fanning a wildfire south of Athens in which one person died. More than 22,000 hectares have burned in Greece this year, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. Volunteer firefighter dies as wildfires rage across heat-stricken Spain In Spain, a firefighting volunteer died from severe burns, while several people were hospitalised as dozens of wildfires fuelled by strong winds and scorching heat continued to rage across the country. At least six large wildfires were still out of control, according to regional emergency services. The victim, a 35-year old volunteer, had been attempting to create firebreaks near the town of Nogarejas, in the north-central Castile and Leon region, when he became trapped in the blaze, regional officials said. The fire had two active fronts that were still out of control, as weather services forecast another day of strong winds and electric storms. Over 5,000 people have been evacuated in the region, which is Spain's largest, and efforts were being concentrated on preventing the flames from reaching smaller towns. Environment Minister Sara Aagesen told SER radio station that many fires across the country were suspected to be intentionally caused by arsonists due to their "virulence", but that it was too early to quantify these. On Monday, another fire had killed a man working at a horse stable on the outskirts of the Spanish capital Madrid and reached some houses and farms before it was contained. Northwestern Galicia's regional leader Alfonso Rueda said the situation there was "complicated" and that the weather "isn't helping", as six active fires affected a combined 10,000 hectares in Ourense province.
