Two major wildfires broke out in Greece, destroying homes and triggering a large-scale emergency response on the island of Crete and in the central region of Boeotia, authorities said on Thursday.
A fire that erupted at a timber warehouse in the Agios Ioannis Hostos area near Heraklion on Crete quickly spread due to the large amount of flammable material stored at the site. The warehouse was completely destroyed, while several nearby homes and commercial buildings also sustained damage.
Thick smoke blanketed parts of the city, prompting authorities to activate the emergency 112 warning system and urge residents to remain indoors with doors and windows closed.
A total of 95 firefighters, supported by 18 fire engines, specialized units and a helicopter, were deployed to tackle the blaze. By late evening, officials said the fire had been largely brought under control, with no injuries reported.
Almost simultaneously, another large wildfire broke out in an agricultural and forested area near Orchomenos in the Boeotia region of central Greece.
Authorities mobilized 105 firefighters, five ground firefighting teams, volunteers and 25 vehicles to combat the flames. Ten aircraft and three helicopters were deployed, including one coordinating aircraft.
The fire did not threaten nearby settlements, and emergency services managed to extinguish the main fire front after several hours of operations. Firefighters remained on site overnight to monitor hotspots and prevent flare-ups.
Greek authorities have launched investigations into the causes of both fires as the country faces another summer marked by extreme heat and heightened wildfire risk.