2 Killed as Greece Wildfires Force Nearly 600 to Evacuate
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Salamis: Two people were killed and nearly 600 evacuated after two wildfires swept through the Greek island of Salamis near Athens, with firefighters largely bringing the blazes under control by Monday.
The fires broke out on Sunday near busy beaches in the southern and eastern parts of the island, prompting authorities to evacuate residents and visitors by boat. Strong winds caused the flames to spread rapidly, trapping an elderly couple near their home.
Three people remained in hospital with burns on Monday, while more than 200 firefighters and two helicopters continued operations in the area.
The fire service said there was no longer an active fire front, although crews remained on standby.
Greece has faced a series of major wildfires since late July as strong winds fuelled the spread of flames across the country. Thirty-six fires were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Monday.
Five firefighters have died so far this year, including a Danish pilot who was killed earlier this month when two helicopters collided while fighting a fire near Athens.
Pic Credit: AFP
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