Greece experiences decline in number of fires but monumental increase in burned areas

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Greece experienced a smaller number of wildfires but a monumental increase in the volume of burned areas, the National Observatory of Athens said Thursday.

“The cumulative burned area in Greece, from the beginning of the year until Wednesday 30.08.2023, records an increase of %270 compared to the average area (2002 - 2022) burned annually in our country,” it said.

Consequently, Greece ranks first among 20 Mediterranean countries with more than 1.61 million hectares (3,978,396 acres) of burned area.

But during the same period, the cumulative number of major forest fires (>300 hectares) in Greece, recorded a decline of 20%.

Wildfires in the northeastern Evros region are regarded as the biggest in Europe in the last two decades, as reported by state-run AMNA news agency.

Nearly 600 firefighters, assisted with fire engines on the ground, firefighting planes and helicopters, are struggling to contain the fire, it said, adding that changes in the wind’s direction in the area are hampering efforts.

The Fire Department announced that 68 wildfires are presently being fought across the country.

Thirty-two new fires broke out in the last 24 hours, it added.