Two dead as wildfires rage near Athens for fourth day

Wildfires continue to rage near Athens for the fourth day, with hundreds of firefighters struggling to contain the blazes. A strong wind is exacerbating the situation, fanning the flames and making containment efforts increasingly difficult.

The crisis claimed the lives of two individuals on Sunday when two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air. The devastating fires have already reduced several buildings, vast tracts of farmland, and pine forests to ashes, prompting mandatory evacuations for residents in affected areas.

Firefighting operations involve 21 aircraft and heavy machinery, but strong winds are impeding the planes' ability to scoop water from the sea, presenting a significant challenge for the ground crews. In the Boeotia region, a fire believed to have been ignited by sparks from a private wind power line has led to the arrest of two suspects, including an electrical engineer and a contractor.

This report was prepared using artificial intelligence and reviewed by an editor, aiming for easy readability.