Wildfires rage in Greece, hundreds evacuated, firefighters battling blaze

Over a dozen homes, farms and olive groves were destroyed as wild forest fires raged in western Greece, due to a heat wave. People were hospitalised with breathing problems on Sunday as firefighters fought a forest fire near Patras, Greece’s third-largest city.

Some 145 firefighters, 50 trucks, eight fire-fighting planes and helicopters have been mobilised to battle the blaze. The fire, which started on Saturday, was in a mountain forest 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Patras. Aided by strong winds, the fire raced down the slopes and threatened seaside villages.

Greece is hit by forest fires every summer, but experts have warned that global warming increases both their frequency and intensity.