Reports from authorities indicate that two individuals tragically lost their lives in a mountainous region of central Greece while assisting firefighters combat a forest fire. The blaze has led to the evacuation of several villages in the area.
The fire, located near Corinth approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) west of Athens, continued to burn on Monday, fueled by strong winds.
A police spokesperson, Constantina Dimoglidou, mentioned that the bodies retrieved were badly burnt, requiring further identification through laboratory tests.
The Greek Ministry of Citizen Protection confirmed that the fire brigade has initiated an investigation into the incident.
Throughout Monday, smoke from the fire lingered over the capital, impacting visibility and air quality.
Greece, much like other countries in southern Europe, faces devastating wildfires during the summer, worsened by the effects of global warming. The nation has experienced its hottest summer on record this year following a warm winter with minimal rainfall.
In recent months, authorities have dealt with over 4,500 wildfires in dry, parched countryside due to a prolonged drought and early heatwaves. This season has been labeled as the most perilous fire season in twenty years.
