The massive blaze in the northeastern region of Dadia National Park in Greece has remained out of control, with authorities saying that the flames in Greece was the largest wildfire incident that took place in Europe since 2020.
According to the Copernicus Emergency Management Service, a total of 81,000 hectares or 200,000 acres of land have been burnt into ashes following the wildfires in the past days.
Authorities said that the wide flames have continued to ravage most of the areas in the north of Alexandroupolis.
They noted that the wildfires have burned more than 310 sq miles or 810 sq kilometers, which is considered bigger than New York City.
Deployment of assets
To mitigate the effects of the wildfires, the European Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Center has already mobilized a total of 11 firefighting planes and one helicopter from the rescEU reserve, stationed in six member states.
In addition to these air assets, a total of six European countries have contributed with six ground forest fire fighting teams via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
On August 20, the EU further deployed 11 rescEU firefighting airplanes stationed in Croatia, Cyprus, France Germany, Spain and Sweden, as well as one Blackhawk helicopter from Czechia.
A total of 407 fire fighters and 62 vehicles from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, France Romania, Serbia and Slovakia were also deployed to address the blaze.
Officials said that the wildfire could be considered as the largest in Europe since the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) had started recording data.
According to Janez LenarÄiÄ, Commissioner for Crisis Management, they stand in solidarity with Greece as it battles the devastating wildfires.
"The European Union's largest aerial firefighting operation underscores our commitment to swift and effective collective action in times of crisis. Our thoughts are with the people of Greece, and we will continue working tirelessly to protect lives, property, and the environment," she said.
"The EU's unity and cooperation are our strongest assets in overcoming these challenges."
Climate crisis, arson
Since the wildfires began on 19 August, the death toll already climbed to 20, in which 18 of those who died were migrants. Their bodies were found in a region that is often used as an entry point from the neighboring Turkey.
The country has been ravaged by numerous massive fires this summer, which the government and experts have attributed to the impacts of the climate crisis.
Experts also noted that winds and temperatures have created conditions that were conductive to increased wildfire activity.
Europe, at present, experiences hot summers, and this prompts its southern countries to be prone to wildfires.
Furthermore, the ecosystems and wildlife in Greece have been affected due to the raging wildfires that caused massive evacuations and property damage.
In the past days, security forces have made arson arrests as some individuals were supposedly starting new fires in Mount Parnitha, which is located northwest of Athens.
Earlier, the Greek government vowed that tougher penalties would be imposed against arson as it aims to dissuade potential criminals and bring those responsible for damaging fires to justice.
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