Overview
- The Halkidiki fire, which surged on Thursday, pushed tourists and residents from beaches in Siviri and Fourka and prompted more than 300 people to be taken offshore by coast guard, fire boats and private vessels.
- Greek authorities deployed over 140 firefighters, nine aircraft and seven helicopters to the peninsula as local officials declared the highest fire risk and banned public access to pine forests.
- A fast-moving blaze that began in Lokva Rogoznica spread toward Omiš, Croatia, where 157 firefighters and 44 vehicles fought the fire and about 1,000 people were sheltered overnight in a sports hall.
- Croatian emergency services treated about 19 people for fire-related injuries and transferred two seriously hurt patients to Split for hospital care while a coastal highway was closed and a navy boat stood ready for evacuations.
- Officials and experts warn that recurring heatwaves, drought and gusty winds have left vegetation tinder-dry, straining regional resources, complicating tactics after recent helicopter losses near Athens, and risking more flare-ups and tourist disruption.