Greece wildfires spread, firefighting helicopter collision kills crew

Greece is grappling with an escalating wildfire crisis after a week of intense blazes that have ignited across the country, including a fire that broke out roughly seventy kilometres from the capital, Athens. The emergency has forced the evacuation of numerous residents as dozens of homes have been damaged or destroyed, prompting a large‑scale deployment of firefighting resources and the activation of emergency shelters.

The situation worsened on Tuesday when two firefighting helicopters collided mid‑air while combating the flames, resulting in multiple fatalities among the crew. Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash while continuing aerial and ground suppression efforts. Officials warned that dry conditions and strong winds could prolong the fire season, and they urged the public to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders as the nation works to contain the widespread infernos.