Where are the fires in Turkey and Greece? Map and locations explained
WILDFIRES have broken out in Turkey and Greece forcing hundreds to evacuate their homes.
Here we explain the locations affected by the fires and why they are happening.
Where are the fires in Turkey?
Wildfires have broken out in Turkey after temperatures in parts of the country were predicted to hit at least 39C on Tuesday, July 18, according to Turkey’s meteorological service.
Footage posted on social media by Turkish officials shows blazes in Canakkale, Hatay, and Tekirdag.
According to local media, 19 wildfires broke out across Turkey on Sunday, July 16.
As a result of the fires, neighbourhoods including Tekirdag’s Malkara district were evacuated.
Where are the fires in Greece?
In July 2023, six seaside resorts in Greece were evacuated as raging wildfires erupted during a Mediterranean heatwave.
Like most of the Med, Greece has been gripped by a heatwave for the past week – with the mercury hitting 44C in some parts of the country.
The blaze, which started in the village of Kouvaras, 30 miles from the Greek capital of Athens, forced hundreds to flee.
The wildfire burnt through brush and spread south toward the Attica region and the resorts of Lagonisi, Anavyssos and Saronida.
A forest fire also erupted in strong winds near the Isthmus of Corinth, close to the popular beach town of Loutraki – where more evacuation orders were put in place.
In the coastal town of Loutraki 1,200 children were evacuated as flames approached their camp.
Greek fire service spokesperson Ioannis Artopios said while the winds were making it difficult for aircraft to approach the fires safely, firefighters were “making every effort”.
A Brit holidaymaker told The Sun: “It was scary as the fire spread very quickly.
“We were watching the fire from when we spotted the smoke initially and quickly realised we should leave the area.
“Mostly we’re concerned about all the people who may have lost their home to the fire and the animals in the area.”
Wildfires have also raged in Spain, Italy and Switzerland, while France, Germany and Poland also prepare for scorching conditions.
How many people have died in the Turkey and Greece fires?
As of July 18, 2023, no deaths have been reported as a result of the fires in both Turkey and Greece.
Police have helped evacuate more than 100 citizens in Greece.
Residential neighbourhoods in Turkey have also been evacuated.