The wildfires in Greece have subsided as of Friday after burning for nearly two weeks, during which many fled from massive explosions that occurred at an ammunition depot yesterday. The fires, fueled by rising temperatures and strong winds, have resulted in the deaths of five people and the destruction of homes, farms, and factories, as well as consuming vast areas of forest since July 17.
In the affected region of Magnesia, the wildfires extended to a military ammunition depot near the coastal city of Nea Anchialos yesterday. The fire that broke out at the depot led to powerful explosions. The coast guard reported that citizens were forced to flee by land and sea to Volos, the regional capital. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced today that he ordered an investigation into the incident.
A spokesman for the firefighting service indicated that the firefighting teams exerted "efforts beyond human capability," but they were unable to contain the flames that reignited in Volos and Anchialos. The wildfires have receded on the island of Rhodes, where over 20,000 tourists and residents vacated hotels and homes along the coast, after the flames ravaged about 10 percent of the island's area. Firefighting teams have been working in several locations for the eleventh day in an effort to extinguish the flames completely.
