NEWS

Firefighters called to 36 blazes within 24 hours

Firefighters called to 36 blazes within 24 hours

Greece's firefighting services were called on to put out 36 forest fires within 24 hours as high temperatures created tinder-dry conditions, sources said on Monday.

Of the 36 fires, most were doused in the initial stages, according to the fire service. Most of the other blazes — on Zakynthos, in the Cretan prefecture of Ierapetra, in Diminio near Volos and on the island of Kythira — were under partial control on Monday.

With another heatwave forecast for this week, authorities have appealed to citizens to avoid activities that could set off forest fires. 

Meanwhile, a 42-year-old man was arrested yesterday for inadvertently causing a fire in forested area in the region of Venerianika-Koumaro on the island of Kythera in southern Greece. The suspect reportedly sparked the blaze while smoking his beehives on Sunday.

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox.

By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.