Greek Firefighters Battle New Wildfire Near Athens amid Strong Winds

A firefighting helicopter makes a water drop as a wildfire burns in Keratea, near Athens, Greece, June 30, 2024. REUTERS/Giorgos Moutafis
A firefighting helicopter makes a water drop as a wildfire burns in Keratea, near Athens, Greece, June 30, 2024. REUTERS/Giorgos Moutafis
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Greek Firefighters Battle New Wildfire Near Athens amid Strong Winds

A firefighting helicopter makes a water drop as a wildfire burns in Keratea, near Athens, Greece, June 30, 2024. REUTERS/Giorgos Moutafis
A firefighting helicopter makes a water drop as a wildfire burns in Keratea, near Athens, Greece, June 30, 2024. REUTERS/Giorgos Moutafis

Greek firefighters were battling a wildfire south of Athens on Sunday amid strong winds, just hours after managing to contain blazes in a mountainous area also near the capital as well as on an island in the Aegean Sea.

Dozens of firefighters, backed up by 17 water-carrying aircraft, fought to tame the new fire in a sparsely-populated area near the town of Keratea, some 35 kilometres (22 miles) south of Athens, Reuters reported.

Greek television showed at least one house in flames as smoke from burning pine and olive trees billowed into the sky.

With hot, windy conditions across much of Greece, dozens of wildfires broke out over the weekend and authorities advised people to stay away from forested areas.

Firefighters were still engaged on the island of Serifos where a fire had broken out amid low vegetation on Saturday and spread quickly, fanned by strong winds, damaging houses and prompting the evacuation of several hamlets.

The wildfire, which at one point had raged across 15 kilometres (9.3 miles), damaged holiday homes and storehouses, the island's mayor, Kostas Revinthis, told Greek television.

Another fire in the mountainous forest of Parnitha near a nature reserve just outside Athens had eased by Sunday morning, officials said.

The strong winds are not expected to abate until later on Sunday, meteorologists said.

Wildfires are common in the Mediterranean country but have become more devastating in recent years as summers have become hotter, drier and windier, which scientists link to the effects of climate change.

After last summer's deadly forest fires and following its warmest winter on record, Greece developed a new doctrine, which includes deploying an extra fire engine to each new blaze, speeding up air support and clearing forests.



Falcon Fetches SAR57,000 at Saudi Falcons Club Auction Opening

The club aims to regulate the falcon trade, protect endangered breeds, and raise awareness about responsible falconry practices. SPA
The club aims to regulate the falcon trade, protect endangered breeds, and raise awareness about responsible falconry practices. SPA
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Falcon Fetches SAR57,000 at Saudi Falcons Club Auction Opening

The club aims to regulate the falcon trade, protect endangered breeds, and raise awareness about responsible falconry practices. SPA
The club aims to regulate the falcon trade, protect endangered breeds, and raise awareness about responsible falconry practices. SPA

A falcon sold for SAR57,000 on Thursday at the opening night of the highly anticipated Saudi Falcons Club Auction in Malham, north of Riyadh.
The event, which will run until November 15, features a groundbreaking new format entailing an auction area integrated into the ongoing International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition.
The Saudi Falcons Club continues to support falconers by offering them comprehensive assistance, including falcon transportation, accommodation, and efficient auction processes. The auction is broadcast live on television and social media platforms, ensuring global reach and accessibility, SPA reported.
Renowned as the Kingdom's premier official falcon auction, the event aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting cultural heritage, economic growth, and the preservation of falconry traditions.

The Saudi Falcons Club seeks to elevate the standard of falcon auctions domestically and internationally, serving as a focal point for falconry enthusiasts worldwide.