Greek Island: Two people have died and hundreds were evacuated after two wildfires broke out almost simultaneously on the Greek island of Salamina, west of Athens, authorities said.
Around 200 firefighters were deployed to prevent the two fires from merging as strong winds fuelled the flames across the island, which was under a high wildfire risk warning. The first fire was reported at around 14:40 local time near the southern coast of Salamina, in a forested residential area in Peristeria. About 20 minutes later, a second blaze broke out in the eastern town of Selinia.
The cause of both fires remains unknown. Firefighters responding to the first blaze discovered two bodies at the scene, according to fire official Vasilios Vathrakoyannis. Local authorities said the victims were believed to be a couple.
One of the fires had been brought under control and evacuation operations had been completed. Around 500 people were transported from the island by sea as a precaution. Authorities continued to deal with scattered fires in the affected areas, while the second blaze in Selinia was reported to have no active front.
Στην σε εξέλιξη Πυρκαγιά στη Σαλαμίνα στα Περιστέρια κ στη Κακή Βίγλα, ενεργούν 5 ασθενοφόρα κ μια μηχανή. Από την περιοχή των Περιστερίων παρελήφθησαν 9 άτομα με εγκαύματα σε καλή κατάσταση αρχικάγια το Κέντρο Υγείας Σαλαμίνας στο οποίο και έλαβαν την πρώτη φροντίδα. Στην…
— Άδωνις Γεωργιάδης (@AdonisGeorgiadi) August 16, 2026
At least 10 people suffered burns or showed symptoms of smoke inhalation. Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiades said five people had been taken to local medical facilities for treatment.
Around 50 fire engines, several aircraft, water tankers and construction machinery were involved in the firefighting operation. Two coast guard vessels and a fire department vessel were also due to remain in the area for surveillance and assistance, while patrol boats and private vessels helped with evacuation and support efforts.
Salamina Deputy Mayor Thodoris Zannis said firefighters were working to prevent the flames from crossing a mountain on the island and joining together into a much larger blaze. Salamina, located just west of Athens, has a population of around 37,000 people, many of whom are elderly.
The fires are part of a wider series of wildfires affecting parts of Europe during a period of extreme heat and dry conditions. In Belgium, firefighters were battling a major blaze in the Hautes Fagnes nature reserve for a third consecutive day, while Croatia’s coastline was also hit by a deadly wildfire that forced around 1,200 residents and tourists to evacuate.
The EU’s Copernicus climate monitoring service has reported that western Europe experienced its hottest June-to-July period on record, highlighting the growing wildfire risks associated with prolonged heat and dry weather.
POPULAR | NSW to launch gun buyback scheme after Bondi Beach terror attack
