Greece wildfires: Two dead as flames sweep across Salamina island

17:30

By: Sahili Aya

Greece wildfires: Two dead as flames sweep across Salamina island

Two people have died and several others have been injured after fast-moving wildfires swept across Greece’s Salamina island on Sunday, forcing evacuations and damaging homes during one of the busiest holiday periods of the summer.

The fires broke out as Greece faced heightened wildfire danger amid persistent heat and dry conditions across much of southern Europe.

Evacuations ordered as fires spread

The Greek Fire Department said evacuation operations were under way in the areas of Kolones and Saterli as strong winds pushed the flames rapidly through the island.

Authorities said the two people who died were believed to be a couple.

Several residents were injured, while local reports said five people had been taken to a health clinic. A number of houses were also damaged as firefighters battled to prevent the flames from reaching additional populated areas.

The cause of the fires had not immediately been established.

Large emergency response deployed

Around 192 firefighters were mobilised alongside 14 aircraft and helicopters, volunteer teams and municipal water tankers.

The coast guard and firefighting vessels were also sent to Salamina, with authorities preparing for the possibility of evacuating residents and visitors by sea if coastal areas became inaccessible or unsafe.

The emergency operation was complicated by strong winds, which accelerated the spread of the flames and made containment efforts more difficult.

Salamina was already under a high wildfire-risk warning on Sunday.

Fires hit during peak holiday period

The outbreak came during Greece’s major summer holiday weekend surrounding the August 15 Assumption holiday, when large numbers of people from Athens traditionally travel to nearby islands.

Salamina is particularly accessible from the capital, with regular connections from the port of Piraeus, making it a popular destination for residents and holidaymakers.

The concentration of people on the island during the holiday period added an additional challenge for emergency services as evacuation measures were put in place.

Southern Europe faces another severe fire season

The fires on Salamina are part of a wider wildfire crisis affecting several parts of Europe.

Repeated heatwaves have contributed to severe drought conditions, increased pressure on water resources and left vegetation exceptionally dry, creating favourable conditions for rapidly spreading fires.

Spain, France and Greece have all faced major wildfires this summer, with large areas of land already affected.

The latest fires in Greece also follow a recent wildfire in the northern Halkidiki region, where residents and tourists were forced to leave villages after strong winds drove flames toward homes and vegetation near a resort.

For Greek authorities, the Salamina emergency highlights the continuing risks posed by extreme heat, dry conditions and powerful winds at the height of the country's summer season.