Elderly couple dies as two wildfires erupt on Greek island, prompting evacuations

An elderly couple died and hundreds were evacuated from the Greek island of Salamis as two wildfires broke out with unusual speed on Sunday. The fires, which started within 20 minutes of each other on opposite sides of the island near Athens, spread rapidly due to strong winds.

Firefighters discovered the bodies of the elderly couple near where the first blaze began. At least ten other individuals required hospitalization for burn injuries. Authorities reported that one of the fires was brought under control by Sunday evening. The cause of the fires remains unknown, though officials suspect arson may be involved in the first incident.

Nearly 600 residents were evacuated by sea as thick smoke billowed from the island. The fires occurred during a challenging wildfire season across Europe, fueled by hot, dry weather attributed to climate change. Similar incidents recently forced evacuations in northern Greece and Croatia, with Belgium experiencing its largest recorded wildfire.

Salamis is home to approximately 37,000 people, many of whom are elderly, and is also a popular recreational spot for Athenians due to its proximity to the capital.

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