Forest fire on Hydra destroys only pine forest, while major agricultural fire claims lives in Turkey. Public outrage and investigations ensue amidst ongoing wildfires in the region.
A forest fire on the Greek island of Hydra, caused by fireworks launched from a yacht, has led to significant environmental damage and public outrage. The blaze, which erupted on Friday, destroyed the island’s only pine forest. Firefighters faced challenges in containing the fire due to the lack of direct road access, relying instead on sea routes and helicopters for water drops. Hydra’s mayor, Giorgos Koukoudakis, expressed indignation over the actions that ignited the fire and mentioned potential legal actions pending an investigation. The island is a popular tourist destination located south of Athens. This incident comes as Greece grapples with several wildfires amidst its first heatwave of the year.
In a related event in Turkey, a major agricultural fire has claimed 12 lives and injured 78 in the southeastern region close to the border with Syria and Iraq. The fire, which began on Thursday due to the burning of straw, rapidly spread across several villages, driven by strong winds. Affected areas include Diyarbakir and Mardin provinces, with villages such as Koksalan, Yazcicegi, and Bagacik hit hardest. The fire was controlled early Friday, and authorities have initiated an investigation into its cause. The Turkish Health Ministry reported ongoing treatment of the injured, with some in critical condition. Meanwhile, firefighters in northwest Turkey’s Canakkale province are addressing another wildfire near Ayvacik, leading to the precautionary evacuation of the village of Camkoy.
