ATHENS (GREECE) – Greek firefighters were fighting a wind-driven forest fire that burned through pine forest. Hundreds of people were forced to evacuate near the seaside village of Kechries in the eastern Peleponnese, officials said on Thursday.
More than 236 firefighters were fighting to put down the fire, and were assisted by four helicopters, eight planes municipal staff and volunteers.
Anastasis Giolis, vice-prefect of Corinth told, “The fire burned olive and pine trees in a thick forest. Distressing to see residents running around with hoses, it’s a sad picture.”
The fire lightly caused damage to three homes at the nearby villages of Athikia and Alamano and destroyed one fire truck. No injuries were caused to the residents or firefighters.
The fire was slowly spreading to the villages of Galataki and Agios Ioannis, with the area covered with thick smoke. Officials said that the Greek fire brigade chief was still in the area coordinating the efforts.
Authorities evacuated settlements on Wednesday as the fire came close to a military camp posing threat to the burning of explosives, which were stored. The “Summerfun” camp was also evacuated safely, taking children to an area near the village’s beach.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.