Greek firefighters fight wildfire northwest of Athens

Firefighters in Greece worked to consolidate gains against a major wildfire west of Athens on Tuesday, August 4, racing to reinforce containment lines during a brief lull in winds before more dangerous weather returns. The blaze, which has burned for four consecutive days, has forced the evacuation of more than 1,000 people, destroyed homes and farmland, and claimed the lives of two firefighting helicopter crew members.

The fire has devastated mountain communities and coastal areas northwest of the capital, including the seaside resort of Porto Germeno. Hundreds of firefighters, supported by aircraft and army earth movers, have been deployed near the communities of Kandili and Agia Skepi. On Tuesday, crews focused on dousing hotspots and strengthening firebreaks during a temporary calm in the winds, which typically intensify in the afternoon. Officials warned that stronger gusts and rising temperatures are forecast for the coming days.

The firefighting effort suffered a tragic setback on Sunday, August 2, when two helicopters collided midair near Psatha, about 40 kilometers west of Athens. The crash killed a Greek coordinator and a Danish pilot aboard one aircraft. A British...