Two people have died after two wildfires broke out almost simultaneously on the Greek island of Salamis near Athens on Sunday, according to the Greek fire department.
“Two bodies were recovered” from the Peristeria beach area in the southern part of the island, a fire department spokesman told AFP.
Hundreds Evacuated as Fires Spread
Hundreds of beachgoers and residents were evacuated after the fires erupted in two popular bathing areas in southern and eastern Salamis.
Yiannis Artopios, deputy spokesman for the fire department, said authorities issued four evacuation orders in rapid succession as the fires spread.
“There are hundreds of bathers and permanent residents, an evacuation order has been issued,” Artopios told Greek state broadcaster ERT.
He described the situation as a difficult fire inside a populated area, while noting that some roads remained open and police were deployed to help direct residents and visitors to safety.
Major Emergency Response Underway
Greek authorities deployed a large firefighting force to contain the flames, including around 150 firefighters, 32 fire engines, four aircraft and six helicopters.
The Greek coastguard also sent five patrol boats to the affected areas, while several private vessels were made available to assist with evacuations.
Two vessels operated by the fire department were also involved in the emergency response, according to Artopios.
Authorities continued efforts to contain the fires and protect residents and visitors as emergency crews worked across the affected parts of the island.
