TWO DEAD AS WILDFIRES FORCE EVACUATION ON GREEK ISLAND SALAMINA

Two people died after two fast-moving wildfires broke out on the Greek island of Salamina near Athens on Sunday afternoon. The first fire was reported at 14:40 local time in the forested residential area of Peristeria in the island's south, and a second fire began approximately 20 minutes later in the eastern town of Selinia. The victims' bodies were recovered in Peristeria, and the city's mayor stated they were believed to have been a couple. About 500 people were evacuated from the island by sea using coast guard vessels and fire department boats.

Strong winds fuelled the rapid spread of the blazes towards residential areas within minutes. Between 200 and 260 firefighters were deployed to combat the fires, along with aircraft, helicopters and water tankers. One report stated that firefighting efforts aimed to prevent the two fires from converging over a mountain on the island. By Sunday evening, one of the fires had been brought under control. At least 10 other people suffered burns or smoke inhalation symptoms, with five receiving treatment at a local health clinic.

The cause of the fires remains unknown. Salamina, which sits west of Athens and has approximately 37,000 residents, was under high wildfire risk on Sunday as severe heatwaves across Europe created dry conditions. European Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib expressed condolences following the deaths. Two coast guard vessels and a fire department vessel remained in the area for ongoing surveillance and assistance as scattered blazes continued in parts of Peristeria late on Sunday.