Greece raises wildfire alert level after spate of blazes

Greece raised its wildfire alert level to “high risk” after dozens of blazes erupted across the country, with 71 fires reported within a 12-hour period on Saturday. The fires, occurring mainly in agricultural and forestry regions, were largely brought under control, including a major blaze in Lasithi, Crete. Three people sustained minor injuries, and one individual was arrested for allegedly causing one of the fires. Strong winds are expected until Tuesday, heightening the risk of fire outbreaks in areas such as Athens, the Cyclades islands, and Crete. Greece experienced a record average temperature during winter, leading to concerns about dry conditions exacerbating the wildfire risk. Last summer’s heatwave resulted in significant loss of life and extensive damage to land in Greece and other parts of the Mediterranean.

Source – CGTN

Photo Credit – DW