A devastating wildfire has swept across the Greek island of Salamina, resulting in the deaths of two people and prompting evacuation preparations for residents. The victims, believed to be a couple, were killed as the blaze tore through the island on Sunday, during the biggest holiday weekend of the summer. The bodies of the two victims were recovered in the village of Peristeria, where strong winds fueled the rapidly spreading fire.
Two wildfires have broken out in the Peristeria and Selina areas, with homes under threat. The fires are the latest in a series of blazes to hit Europe, where successive heatwaves have intensified drought and left vegetation tinder-dry. An operation is underway to evacuate people from the areas of Kolones and Saterli, with the fire department working to contain the blazes.
Salamina mayor Giorgos Panagopoulos described the situation as ‘difficult,’ stating that homes are under threat and that two ferry boats have been requested to aid in the evacuation if necessary. According to local reports, five people have been taken to a local health clinic. Authorities have deployed 192 firefighters, 14 aircraft and helicopters, volunteer crews, and municipal water tankers to contain the blazes, with coast guard and firefighting vessels also sent to the island.
Responding to news of the deaths, Hadja Lahbib, European commissioner for crisis management, expressed her condolences, stating that ‘the fire season has claimed another two victims, this time on the island of Salamina in Greece. My thoughts are with the families of the victims, and with the first responders fighting fires across Europe.’
