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Wildfire rages close to the Greek city of Thessaloniki
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- A fast-moving wildfire broke out Saturday evening near Thessaloniki, Greece, prompting evacuation orders for residents of three small northern suburbs and a facility housing 157 people with special needs.
- The fire started in a mountainous ravine around 8:30 p.m. and spread quickly to the plains, damaging several businesses but sparing residences.
- A 76-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of starting the fire, reportedly appearing intoxicated at the time.
- About 115 firefighters with 38 fire engines and volunteers battled the blaze amid strong winds, while firefighting planes were unable to operate after dark.
- Additional wildfires were also burning near Thessaloniki, including in the Halkidiki Peninsula and Kilkis, as Greece faces a challenging wildfire season despite avoiding extreme heat experienced elsewhere in Europe.
