Two people are dead and hundreds evacuated after twin fires broke out on the Greek island of Salamina, with around 200 firefighters working to stop the blazes from merging.
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Key facts
- Two people have died in fires on the Greek island of Salamina.
- Hundreds of people have been evacuated.
- Nearly 200 firefighters were deployed to tackle the two fires.
- Crews worked to keep the two fires from converging.
- One of the fires was later brought under control.
Two people have died and hundreds of residents have been evacuated after two fires broke out on the Greek island of Salamina, according to the BBC.
Nearly 200 firefighters were deployed to tackle the twin blazes, with crews working to keep the two fires from converging, the BBC reported, citing Greek media.
As the situation developed through the day, one of the two fires was brought under control, according to the BBC’s later reporting.
The evacuation affected hundreds of people on the island, though the sources did not specify which areas were cleared or where residents were moved.
The BBC did not identify the two people who died or provide further details on the circumstances of their deaths.
Efforts remained focused on preventing the two fires from merging into a single, larger blaze as firefighters continued to work on the ground.
Why it matters
Fires on populated Greek islands can force rapid evacuations and put lives at risk, as seen in this incident where two people died. The scale of the firefighting response underscores the ongoing threat wildfires pose to communities during the hot, dry season.
Frequently asked questions
How many people have died in the Salamina fires?
According to the BBC, two people have died in the fires on the Greek island of Salamina.
How many firefighters are tackling the fires?
The BBC reported that nearly 200 firefighters were deployed to battle the two fires on Salamina.
Have the fires been brought under control?
According to later BBC reporting, one of the two fires was brought under control, while crews continued working to keep the blazes from converging.
Timeline
- Two dead and hundreds evacuated after twin fires break out on Greek island
BBC World: About 200 firefighters worked to keep the fires from converging on Salamina, with one now under control.
- Two dead and hundreds evacuated as twin fires break out on Greek island
BBC World: Nearly 200 firefighters are trying to keep the two fires apart on Salamina, Greek media report.
- Two dead and evacuation under way as fires break out on Greek island
BBC World: Nearly 200 firefighters are trying to keep the two fires on Salamina apart, Greek media report.