ATHENS, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- A large wildfire broke out Thursday in Siviri, a popular resort in the northern Greek region of Halkidiki, prompting authorities to order evacuations as firefighters battled strong winds and rapidly spreading flames.
Fanned by winds of up to six Beaufort, the fire quickly spread from low vegetation through pine trees toward populated areas, Greece's public broadcaster ERT reported. The fire front extended for about 3 km. Halkidiki is a peninsula in northern Greece that extends into the northern Aegean Sea and is a popular summer destination for domestic and international tourists.
Authorities have ordered residents and visitors to leave affected areas. Nearly 350 people have so far been evacuated by sea, ERT reported.
As of Thursday evening, 155 firefighters, nine firefighting aircraft and seven helicopters were battling the fire, according to the Fire Brigade.
Two firefighters were injured in the operation, according to local media.
Authorities have warned of difficult fire conditions over the next two days, with strong winds and gusts of up to 100 km per hour expected in some areas.
Greece has recorded about 2,700 wildfires since the start of this year's fire season, including more than 500 in August alone, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas told a local television station Thursday. About 9 percent of the incidents are believed to have involved arson. ■