Wildfires continued to burn across parts of Europe on Thursday, with major blazes prompting evacuations on the Greek islands of Paros and Andros, while Portugal and England also faced significant firefighting operations.
Evacuations in Paros and Andros
In Paros, a wildfire broke out near the area of Trypiti and spread rapidly amid gale-force winds.
Emergency alerts ordered the evacuation of Angairia and Kamari towards Alyki, while residents of Aspro Chorio were instructed to move towards Dryos.
The firefighting operation involved 45 firefighters, 10 vehicles and two ground crews. Police officers from Athens assisted with evacuations and the removal of residents from threatened areas.
On Andros, another wildfire erupted in low vegetation near Palaiopoli. Authorities issued evacuation orders for Batsi and later for the Kolymbos area, directing residents towards Chora.
The response included 25 firefighters, five fire engines, two ground teams and a helicopter, supported by local authority water tankers.
One firefighter suffered minor burns and was taken to a local health centre, while emergency services helped evacuate two elderly residents from their home.
Greece mourns two firefighters
Funerals were held on Thursday for firefighters Pantelis Diamantakis, 25, and Manolis Stratidakis, 58, who died while battling a blaze in the Krya Vrysi area of Rethymno, Crete.
According to reports, the two men became trapped after losing their bearings in dense smoke. They were later found dead by a colleague near their fire service vehicle.
Hundreds battle blaze in Portugal
In northern Portugal, around 800 firefighters remained deployed to tackle a wildfire that began in Valpaços and spread into neighbouring Mirandela.
Authorities said about 80% of the fire perimeter had been contained, although active fronts remained.
Five people, including three firefighters and a police officer, sustained minor injuries.
A separate wildfire was also burning across the border in the Fermoselle area of western Spain.
Fire prompts evacuations in England
In eastern England, a large wildfire at Dunwich Heath led to community evacuations and road closures.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service described the incident as one of the most challenging in its history.
The blaze is burning a short distance from the Sizewell B and Sizewell C nuclear facilities. Operators said no immediate threat exists because of the distance involved and the current wind direction.
