Two Dead, Evacuations Underway as Fires Erupt on Greek Island

Two fatalities have been confirmed and evacuations are in progress on the Greek island of Salamina, located near Athens, after two separate fires erupted within minutes of each other. The incidents have prompted a large-scale firefighting response.

Approximately 200 firefighters are currently engaged in efforts to extinguish the flames and prevent them from merging into a single, larger wildfire. The fires, which began around 2:40 p.m. local time, have spread with alarming speed, fueled by strong winds. The island was already under a high wildfire risk alert on Sunday.

Authorities have evacuated about 90 people by sea, with five patrol boats and several private vessels assisting in the operation. A significant deployment of resources, including aircraft and 50 fire engines, is on the ground. Firefighters are working to contain the blazes and stop them from crossing a mountain on the island. Salamina, which has a population of roughly 37,000, many of whom are elderly, faces a critical situation as the fires approach residential areas.

“

Some 90 people have so far been evacuated by sea