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As it happenedended

Greece fires – live: Hundreds rescued by boat as flames reach shore of island as death toll rises to two

Latest updates as wildfires rage for fifth day

Leonie Chao-Fong,Emily Goddard
Saturday 07 August 2021 12:14 EDT
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Hundreds rescued by boat from Greek island as flames reach shore

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Two people have died in Greece and eight killed in Turkey amid extreme wildfires, fanned by unpredictable winds and soaring temperatures – described as the worst in southern Europe in decades.

A volunteer firefighter has died after being struck by a falling electricity pole in an area north of Athens affected by the fire, officials said on Friday.

Flames swept through a residential town outside the Greek capital overnight as wildfires burned across the country for a fifth day, while hundreds of people were evacuated by ferry from the island of Evia.

More than 700 firefighters, including reinforcements from Cyprus, France and Israel, have been deployed to fight the blaze north of Athens, assisted by the army and water-bombing aircraft.

In neighbouring Turkey, tens of thousands of people have been evacuated after flames swept through the country’s southwestern coastal regions.

British firefighters deploying to help Greece

British firefighters are deploying urgently to Greece.

Teams from Merseyside, Lancashire, south Wales, London and the west Midlands fire services will fly to Athens this weekend.

The National Fire Chiefs Council’s National Resilience team is responding to a formal request from Priti Patel, the home secretary, to give operational assistance to Greece.

Emily Goddard7 August 2021 14:10

New photos emerge from scene of wildfires in Siberia

Firefighters work at the scene of a forest fire in the Gorny Ulus area west of Yakutsk today
Firefighters work at the scene of a forest fire in the Gorny Ulus area west of Yakutsk today (AP)
Firefighters and volunteers have a briefing as they work at the scene of forest fire at Gorny Ulus
Firefighters and volunteers have a briefing as they work at the scene of forest fire at Gorny Ulus (AP)
A military transport aircraft prepares to assist in extinguishing a fire on the territory of the Mordovian Republic Natural Reserve yesterday
A military transport aircraft prepares to assist in extinguishing a fire on the territory of the Mordovian Republic Natural Reserve yesterday (AP)
Emily Goddard7 August 2021 14:30

France stands by Greece, says Emmanuel Macron

Emmanuel Macron has said France will send three aircraft and 80 firefighters to support Greek teams.

“Solidarity, as Europeans, always,” France’s president wrote on Twitter.

Emily Goddard7 August 2021 15:03

A Twitter user 10km south of the fires on Evia got in touch with us to share images of his view. “Still here for now,” he said.

Emily Goddard7 August 2021 15:52

Hundreds of firefighters battle 55 active fires

Hundreds of firefighters are currently battling 55 active fires, Greek civil protection chief Nikos Hardalias has said.

“We’re continuing to fight a very big battle. All night our forces worked hard,” Hardalias said, adding that he expected the fire north of Athens to be contained, barring any unexpected developments, within the day.

More than 850 firefighters, 40 ground teams, three aircraft, six helicopters and 215 vehicles were working to extinguish the flames north of Athens, Hardalias said, with Greek forces reinforced by overseas support.

In Evia, where 39 villages had been evacuated, six aircraft, four helicopters, 475 firefighters and 35 ground teams were operating, including Romanian and Ukrainian firefighters.

The army sent 84 special forces personnel, while the navy was providing a torpedo boat, two landing craft and 15 smaller boats to assist in sea evacuations if necessary, Hardalias said.

Emily Goddard7 August 2021 15:58

British firefighters deployed as ‘very big battle’ continues for fifth day

Here’s the full story about British firefighters joining the efforts against the devastating fires in Greece.

British firefighters deployed to join ‘very big battle’ against Greek wildfires

Teams from Merseyside, Lancashire, south Wales, London and the west Midlands fire services flying to Athens

Emily Goddard7 August 2021 16:07

Evacuees housed in hall in Chalkida

People who fled their homes during the wildfires are accommodated at an indoor hall in Chalkida the capital of Evia island, about 81 kilometres north of Athens.
People who fled their homes during the wildfires are accommodated at an indoor hall in Chalkida the capital of Evia island, about 81 kilometres north of Athens. (AP)
Emily Goddard7 August 2021 16:20

Poland sends dozens of fire engines to Greece

Emily Goddard7 August 2021 16:35

Thoughts are with those affected, says London Fire Brigade

The London Fire Brigade has shared a message on Twitter, saying: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the Greece fires.”

London firefighters form part of the UK’s deployment to Greece.

Emily Goddard7 August 2021 16:45

We’re wrapping up our live coverage of the devastating fires in Greece for this evening. Thank you for following.

EG

Emily Goddard7 August 2021 17:12

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