Devastated couple loses house to wild blaze in Greece

Despite strong winds, firefighting aircraft and ground forces in Greece gained the upper hand late Monday over two new blazes that broke out in areas already scarred by major wildfires this summer.

The first broke out Monday morning in the southern part of Evia, Greece's second-largest island, whose north was devastated earlier this month by a blaze that burned for more than 10 days.

The second wildfire erupted in Kaza, in the Vilia area northwest of Athens where a major blaze was brought under control Friday after burning for five days.

The fire service said late Monday the Kaza blaze was on the wane.

But for one couple in Vilia, 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the Greek capital, it was heartbreak as they gazed at the smouldering remains of their burnt-out home.

Pensioner Katerina Digeni, wandered around her property in shock, calling for her husband, Haris.

Haris Digenis, meanwhile, was using the garden hose to try to douse some parts of the burned house, while also watering plants and trees that survived.

Their home was one of at least half a dozen buildings were severely damaged in the area.

Authorities had earlier issued an evacuation order for Vilia. Some residents hosed down their gardens and homes, hoping to save them, while police halted traffic on a nearby highway.

The fire department sent 167 firefighters as well as 60 vehicles, 14 helicopters and 14 aircraft to fight the flames.

This month, which began with Greece’s most severe heat wave in about three decades, is quickly turning into one of the country’s most destructive fire seasons, with dozens of wildfires breaking out every day.

Thousands of people have been forced to flee the flames, which have devoured forests, agricultural land, homes and businesses.

IMAGE: AP