Greece wildfire forces hundreds to evacuate in holiday hotspot loved by UK tourists

By Jon King, News Reporter

Firemen in Greece have battled several wildfires this summer, including in Crete (pictured) (Image: Getty)

A fierce forest fire near the Greek city of Corinth saw villagers flee their homes after officials ordered evacuations. More than 180 firefighters, 15 planes and 12 helicopters tackled the wildfire, which tore through a pine forest in the mountains near the city. There were no initial reports of casualties.

Weather conditions were particularly tough for firefighters, with the mercury rising to about 40C in many parts of Greece. A firefighting helicopter crashed into the sea and sank while trying to take up water to tackle a separate fire near Athens. The three crew were rescued and taken to a hospital.

Wildfires are frequent in Greece during its hot, dry summers. Firefighters have tackled dozens across the country so far this year. Earlier this month, firemen battled against a wildfire which broke out in Ierapetra, a southern Greek island of Crete.

In 2018, a massive fire swept through the seaside town of Mati, east of Athens. People were trapped in their homes and on roads as they tried to flee. More than 100 died, including some who drowned while trying to swim away.

The risk of wildfires remains high due to ongoing heatwaves, drought and high winds. Experts have said climate change is making the blazes worse.

A wildfire in a sparsely populated region of Oregon was on the verge of surpassing 100,000 acres on Tuesday (July 21) to become what is officially known as a megafire.

This is generally defined as a fire which burns at least 100,000 acres.

The Cram Fire in Oregon has seen over 95,000 acres burn. (Image: Getty)

Almost 900 firefighters have been battling the Cram Fire about 100 miles (160km) southeast of Portland.

About 73% of the blaze has been contained, but more than 95,000 acres have been burned.

According to officials, the fire has destroyed two homes and 14 other buildings, such as barns, pump houses, workshops, and sheds.

Officials said on Monday (July 21) that the threat to buildings had reduced significantly when containment reached 73%.