Wildfires in France, Spain, Greece: Some easing, but new flames emerge

Wildfire conditions are showing signs of improvement in some areas, including Spain and along France's Atlantic coast, but the fight against flames remains critical in other regions, particularly Greece. The situation in Greece is described as tense, with a very high risk of wildfires across much of the country. The civil protection agency has issued the highest alert, red, for Attica, the greater Athens area, and Euboea.

Several large wildfires, fanned by strong winds, are currently raging across Greece. The most significant fronts are located about 60 kilometers west of Athens, with massive smoke clouds visible from the capital. Authorities have evacuated several villages as a precautionary measure. In the Porto Germeno bay area, 12 people were rescued from a beach by the coast guard, and at least ten houses were destroyed. The strong winds are accelerating the spread of the flames, making firefighting efforts challenging. A large contingent of 325 firefighters, supported by numerous vehicles, aircraft, and helicopters, is battling these blazes. Police have implemented traffic control and closed roads in affected areas.

While a major wildfire on the southern Greek island of Crete has been brought under control, approximately 220 firefighters remain on duty. Strong winds continue to hinder aerial firefighting operations and reignite embers, causing new fires to break out. Investigations into the cause of the Crete fire are underway, with damage to electricity pylons being considered a possibility.

In France, a fire in the southern department of Var, between Marseille and Cannes, reignited and spread rapidly, destroying 1,000 hectares within hours on Friday. This led to the evacuation of about 2,500 people. Firefighters worked through the night to protect vulnerable areas and contain the fire's advance. Conversely, authorities in Bordeaux reported a daily improvement in the situation along the Atlantic coast, where a large fire, estimated to have burned 42,000 hectares, is stabilizing. Most evacuated residents have been allowed to return home.

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Improvement of the situation from day to day.