Greek Wildfire Kills 2 Near Thessaloniki as 12-Year-Old Goes Missing
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 30
Greek Wildfire Kills 2 Near Thessaloniki as 12-Year-Old Goes Missing
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 30
Summary
Two bodies were found near Liti northwest of Thessaloniki after a fast-moving wildfire tore through the area, and a 12-year-old child linked to one victim and an injured woman was reported missing.
More than 100 firefighters, dozens of engines and at least seven aircraft were battling the blaze, confronting a flame front about 5km long that was still spreading Tuesday evening.
Dry conditions and high winds under a high-risk wildfire warning fueled repeated flare-ups, while residents of Liti were told to evacuate and the fire pushed toward nearby Melissochori.
A woman rescued near a house where the second body was found was hospitalized with burns in stable condition, and Greek media reported a small number of properties were damaged.
The fire is the latest in a string of Greek forest blazes ahead of peak tourist season, as summers marked by drought and heatwaves make wildfires increasingly common.