ATHENA Aug 21 One person died during heavy forest fire in the region of Boeotia in central Greece, the Athens news agency AMNA reported.
The incident happened in the Prodromos area.
«According to the police, an elderly shepherd (about 80 years old), having received a message on the number 112, ran to his sheepfold to save the animals, but died. Firefighters arrived at the scene, they found the shepherd dead, although the fire was still did not reach the sheepfold. It is likely that thick smoke became the cause of death,» the agency said.
Extinguishing the fire is hindered by a very strong wind.
«The front of the fire is very large, and now a very strong wind is blowing. We are trying, despite the difficulties, to contain it,» Thebes Mayor Yorgos Anastasiou told the agency.
According to him, the village of Sarantis was evacuated, although the fire is located at a distance of about a kilometer from the houses.
Four helicopters, volunteers and local residents are involved in extinguishing the fire. «Strong winds prevent planes from flying,» the mayor said.
A few days ago, another fire broke out in this area, which the locals immediately extinguished.
The fire continues for the third day near the city of Alexandroupolis in northern Greece. The day before, eight firefighters were taken to hospitals with various injuries and breathing problems.