Wildfires continue to ravage parts of Greece, with Lamia and Velestino being the latest areas affected. Amid the ongoing efforts to combat wildfires on Greek islands like Corfu and Rhodes, tragic incidents have been reported in these regions.

In Horostasi Magnesia, the charred remains of a woman were discovered inside a caravan, while in the vicinity of Agios Georgios Magnesia, the body of a 45-year-old livestock farmer, who had been missing, was found burnt to death.

The heatwave sweeping across southern Europe and northern Africa has created dry and arid conditions, providing ideal fuel for wildfires to spread. At 15:10 local time, a fire erupted on the north side of Lamia in a forested area with sparse vegetation. Fanned by strong winds, the flames quickly grew, posing a threat to nearby houses and spreading westward into the pine-covered region near the Castle of Lamia.

A warehouse at the junction of Sarantaporos and Bizaniou streets was completely consumed by the fire, prompting authorities to initiate the evacuation of houses in the Afanou area of Lamia as a precautionary measure. Two PZLs were dispatched from Lamia Airport to assist in firefighting efforts.

In Velestino, Magnesia, a fire broke out in an agroforestry area at midday, leading to a large-scale mobilization by the Fire Department. Residents in Sesklo, Dimini, Paliouri, and the Industrial Area of Volos had already evacuated as a precaution. The relentless strong winds complicated the situation as the flames reached homes.

Thirty-three firefighters and 13 vehicles worked tirelessly to contain the fire, while two helicopters conducted airdrops to support their efforts. As the afternoon approached, additional ground firefighting equipment was deployed to reinforce the operation. The deputy mayor for Civil Protection of the Riga Feraio municipality reported that houses on the outskirts and perimeter of Velestinos were evacuated later in the afternoon to ensure residents’ safety.

Amid the firefighting operation, a firefighter sustained serious second-degree burns on his hands, legs, face, and back. He was swiftly taken to the Velestino Health Center for immediate medical attention, and his condition is being stabilized before transferring him to a hospital in Athens. The injured firefighter had been assisting his colleagues in battling the fire in Velestino and had been previously serving in Katerini. The fires in Lamia and the broader region of Magnesia have resulted in tragic fatalities and heightened the urgency of containing the blazes.