Thousands flee wildfires linked to climate change
Thousands of tourists and residents were evacuated as wildfires spread across Greece yesterday.
The blazes, which have killed at least two people, including a firefighter, and injured a further 20, have proved extremely difficult to control. There were dramatic scenes as ferries evacuated 1,153 people from a seaside village and beaches on the island of Evia after flames from a massive wildfire burning for days cut off all other means of escape.
Greece is only the latest country to have endured raging wildfires in recent months as scientists link the disasters to extreme heat caused by global warming. The 38-year-old volunteer firefighter was killed by a falling electricity pole in a suburb of Athens.
Yesterday it was announced British firefighters are being sent help tackle the blazes. The deployment follows a request from Home Secretary Priti Patel, who visited Greece earlier this week. Patel said: “I’ve seen first-hand the devastating wildfires ripping through Greece and the UK stands shoulder to shoulder with our Greek friends at this difficult time. I’ve asked the National Fire Chiefs Council to send out a specialist team to provide support in responding to this emergency
“I am immensely grateful to the brave firefighters for stepping forward and volunteering.”