Greek Firefighters Respond to Cross-Border Wildfire from North Macedonia

ATHENS, Greece – Firefighters in northern Greece are engaged in a fierce battle against a cross-border wildfire that has spread from neighboring North Macedonia. The situation escalated following a deadly blaze in North Macedonia, where extensive wildfires have wreaked havoc, destroying homes and leading to evacuations. Authorities reported that two air tankers and a helicopter were deployed to prevent the fire from advancing towards a forest on the Greek side of Lake Doiran, which is shared by both countries. The wildfires in North Macedonia have had tragic consequences, including the death of an elderly resident in a village approximately 60 kilometers east of the capital, Skopje. Officials believe the man succumbed to smoke inhalation as the fires ravaged the area. The ongoing heat waves across the Balkan region and southern Europe have exacerbated the fire situation, making containment efforts increasingly challenging. In a separate incident near Athens, firefighters successfully contained a significant blaze on the Greek island of Evia. Their efforts were bolstered by the deployment of 13 water-dropping aircraft and six helicopters, which began operations at first light on Tuesday. However, the intense firefighting efforts have not come without risk, as two firefighters are currently receiving treatment for burns sustained during their operations. The situation remains critical as authorities continue to monitor and combat the wildfires, highlighting the growing threat posed by climate conditions in the region.