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India Today
26-06-2025
- Climate
- India Today
Wildfire near Athens triggers evacuations and highway closures amid heatwave
A massive fire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, triggering emergency evacuations and roadblocks as blazes ravaged housing around the seaside town of Palaia closed sections of the scenic highway between the Greek capital and Sounion, which features the ancient Temple of Poseidon, a popular tourist FACES FIRST MAJOR HEATWAVE The fire broke out while Greece was experiencing its first heatwave of the summer, with temperatures close to 40C (104F). Firefighters fought the fire on the ground and in the air, struggling against the fierce heat and changing winds that made it difficult to ground and aerial forces are fighting an enormous battle with the fire, especially in residential areas," fire department spokesman Col. Vassilis Vathrakogiannis AND SEA FIREFIGHTING EFFORTS DEPLOYED As reported by the Associated Press, the firefighting effort involved 130 personnel, assisted by 12 helicopters, 12 water-dropping aircraft, and volunteer crews. A coast guard boat also sprayed sea water, with two patrol boats and nine private boats on standby for possible sea evacuations. Ambulances were placed on standby but had not been required by late authorities reported that homes were likely damaged, but assessing the extent of the damage was delayed. "Some houses could have been damaged, but we are awaiting confirmation," local mayor Dimitris Loukas said to state-owned ERT took 40 people out and ordered five areas to be evacuated. Parts of the Athens-Sounion coastal highway were closed in both directions. "We are asking residents to evacuate their homes immediately," said local councilor Apostolos the origin of the fire is yet to be confirmed, authorities have sent an arson investigation unit to the scene. The entire Athens region and some Aegean islands remain at Level 4 wildfire risk due to hot and dry conditions.A major fire on the island of Chios earlier this week took four days to bring under control. Greece has seen its share of catastrophic summer blazes the Mati fire in 2018 killed more than 100 people.- Ends
Al Arabiya
23-06-2025
- Climate
- Al Arabiya
More Evacuation Orders Issued as Firefighters Battle Major Wildfire on the Greek Island of Chios
Greek authorities sent new evacuation notifications for two areas near the main town of the eastern Aegean island of Chios Monday morning as firefighters struggled to control a major wildfire raging on the town's outskirts for a second day. The fire department said 190 firefighters were battling the blaze Monday. They were backed up by 35 vehicles, five helicopters and two water-dropping planes. Strong winds in the area since Sunday have hampered firefighting efforts. Push alerts have been sent to mobile phones in the area urging people to evacuate a total of 16 villages, settlements and neighborhoods on the outskirts of Chios town since the blaze broke out on Sunday. The fire started in three separate locations. Authorities have sent a specialist fire department arson investigation team to the island to look into the causes. Wildfires are frequent in Greece during its hot, dry summers, but authorities have said climate change has been fueling bigger and more frequent blazes. In 2018, a massive fire swept through the seaside town of Mati, east of Athens, trapping people in their homes and on roads as they tried to flee. More than 100 people died, including some who drowned trying to swim away from the flames.
The Independent
23-06-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
More evacuation orders issued as firefighters battle major wildfire on the Greek island of Chios
Greek authorities sent new evacuation notifications for two areas near the main town of the eastern Aegean island of Chios Monday morning, as firefighters struggled to control a major wildfire raging on the town's outskirts for a second day. The fire department said 190 firefighters were battling the blaze Monday. They were backed up by 35 vehicles, five helicopters and two water-dropping planes. Strong winds in the area since Sunday have hampered firefighting efforts. Push alerts have been sent to mobile phones in the area urging people to evacuate a total of 16 villages, settlements and neighborhoods on the outskirts of Chios town since the blaze broke out on Sunday. The fire started in three separate locations. Authorities have sent a specialist fire department arson investigation team to the island to look into the causes. Wildfires are frequent in Greece during its hot, dry summers, but authorities have said climate change has been fueling bigger and more frequent blazes. In 2018, a massive fire swept through the seaside town of Mati, east of Athens, trapping people in their homes and on roads as they tried to flee. More than 100 people died, including some who drowned trying to swim away from the flames.
Perth Now
23-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Greek-inspired revamp for much-loved Cottesloe destination
A popular beach side store and cafe in Cottesloe has had a revamp which exudes Greek Mediterranean bliss as the new owner preps for summer. Cottesloe General Stores has a prime location on Marine Parade with sea views and easy access to the beach and has long been a go-to destination to grab a snack, beach essential or souvenir. Cottesloe local Voula Nelson came out of retirement to take over the store in early March and wanted to bring something new and fresh to the beachfront. 'Part of my motivation to come out of retirement was to give this historic business a brand new look and feel because being a local I felt like it needed some love' Mrs Nelson told Perth Now. A painting of the Greek 'Mati' eye now has prime position on the front exterior wall of the stores. Credit: Cottesloe General Stores/Instagram / Instagram The renovations included repainting the exterior and interior in crisp white and blue and re-doing the signage. A painting of the Greek 'Mati' eye now has prime position on the front exterior wall of the stores. 'My parents were Greek migrants and hospitality is in my blood and in my culture. The Mati has significant meaning in the Greek culture to ward off the evil eye and to my mind, it is a strongly recognised Greek symbol.' said Mrs Nelson. The renovation isn't just cosmetic, Mrs Nelson has introduced tasty Greek treats which lean into her heritage. Cottesloe General Stores sell coffees, snacks and souvenirs in a prime beach side location. Credit: Cottesloe General Stores/Instagram / Instagram 'Every day I am sourcing new food and beverage products . . . it is ever evolving, such as getting food imported straight from Greece such as spanakopita, tiropitta and bougatsa.' Cottesloe General Stores revealed on their Instagram page that Spanakopita is a spinach and feta pastry, Tiropita is a creamy feta pastry and Bougatsa is a pastry with a soft semolina custard filling. Mrs Nelson is a hospitality veteren; she's worked for iconic Perth operators such as Kate Lamont and Nic Trimboli and this is her third Cottesloe business. 'Being a local it comes with a lot of good will but also great expectation. Big shout out to the beautiful people who I work with, they are just fabulous and we all love what we do' Mrs Nelson said. Cottesloe General Stores revealed their renovation in an Instagram post which was flooded with positive comments. 'Santorini vibes!! 🤍💙' one person commented. 'Love this clean fresh look. ❤️' another wrote.
The Independent
04-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Greek court jails 4 officials over botched evacuation during deadly wildfire near Athens
Four former senior fire service and civil protection officials were jailed in Greece Wednesday after being found guilty for failing to mount a proper evacuation in a wildfire that killed more than 100 people outside Athens in 2018. A former fire chief, his deputy, and head of a disaster coordination center were each sentenced to serve five years in prison for causing loss of life though negligence, along with a former director of the government's civil protection agency. The July 23, 2018, fire swept through the seaside area of Mati, east of Athens, forcing residents into a chaotic attempt to escape — either by car through a dense forest or fleeing into the sea. The court in Athens ruled that the officials had failed to organize an orderly evacuation. The defendants were initially found guilty in a trial that concluded last year and not jailed, but a senior prosecutor challenged the verdict, leading to a retrial. Greece is battling an increasing number of serious wildfires annually, which are blamed by authorities on the effects of climate change.
