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Greece Battles Wildfires Near Athens as Fatal Helicopter Crash Grounds Bell Fleet

Investigations into a suspected power‑line ignition and a mid‑air helicopter collision are complicating firefighting at a time of persistent flare‑ups.

Overview

  • The fires, which have burned since Friday, have raged for five days west and northwest of Athens and continue to produce hotspots despite eased winds and renewed aircraft deployments.
  • At least five people have died in linked incidents, including two crew killed in a mid‑air collision of Bell firefighting helicopters and three firefighters who died earlier in separate blazes.
  • Greek authorities have arrested two utility or contractor employees while probing a suspected electrical cable or wind‑farm transmission line as the ignition source for the Porto Germeno blaze.
  • More than 450–500 firefighters and roughly 30 aircraft, supported by international teams from France and Romania, are operating on multiple fronts while Bell helicopters remain grounded pending investigations.
  • Satellite analyses show more than 12,000–13,000 hectares scorched, and experts warn record heat, drought and strong Aegean winds are increasing wildfire frequency and making containment harder.