Greek firefighters are finally turning the tide against a deadly forest fire that has ravaged southern Greece for four days. Over 570 firefighters, 160 trucks, and 11 aircraft—including support from Italy and Croatia—battled the blaze, which destroyed 6,500 hectares of mountainous terrain in Corinthia. 🚒✈️
Human Error Sparks Tragedy
Authorities suspect a local beekeeper accidentally ignited the fire while smoking beehives to harvest honey, despite wildfire warnings. The individual has been fined and faces judicial action. Two residents died in the blaze, marking another grim chapter in Greece’s fire-plagued summer.
Climate Crisis Fuels Chaos
Greece has seen over 4,500 fires this year—many outside typical wildfire season—as climate change, drought, and heatwaves create tinderbox conditions. 'This isn’t just a fire; it’s a wake-up call,' one volunteer told reporters.
Historic Losses, New Threats
While evacuations saved villages, a historic church was gutted, and outlying buildings damaged. As crews contained the Corinthia fire, another blaze erupted in Kalavryta, prompting fresh deployments. 🌪️🔍
With EU solidarity and round-the-clock efforts, Greece fights on—but the battle against climate-driven disasters is far from over.
