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Greek authorities warned on Wednesday that strong winds could fuel wildfires on the popular tourist island of Paros, after a fire forced residents and tourists to evacuate.
Paros, an island between Mykonos and Santorini, was hit by a wildfire on Tuesday, prompting the evacuation of many communities.
The flames are spreading through dry vegetation near the Kampi area, reports Italian news outlet Ansa.
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Although the fire has been largely contained, authorities are warning that strong winds could fan hot spots, reports the Greek City Times.
Winds may complicate firefighting efforts, the source said, and residents are urged to avoid any objects that could cause fires.
Known for its whitewashed villages and beaches, Paros was placed under a strict warning after a wildfire forced evacuations. (Stock)
While firefighters battled the blaze, local officials asked local residents to assist emergency workers working to contain the blaze.
“The Municipality of Paros is very grateful to all those who responded personally in this difficult time, supporting the fire fighting forces.” a translated statement was read.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Paros Municipality for comment.
The island is known for its whitewashed villages and beaches, as well as its high-quality Parian marble, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Residents and visitors have been urged to follow safety guidelines as officials monitor hotspots on the Greek island of Paros. (Stock)
In a Reddit forum dedicated to travel in Greece, users shared concerns and first-hand accounts of evacuating as wildfires spread in Paros.
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Commentators have lived in Aliki and Parikia, two villages on the island, and the nearby island of Antiparos.
“We were living near Aliki and we had to move out,” said another person. “The fire is big now.”
Earlier this month, a massive wildfire burned near Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, as record heat and dry conditions fueled dangerous weather. (Konstantinos Tsakalidis/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“I’m in Parikia at the moment. There are currently 4 choppers assisting [wildfire]and ground support,” said one Reddit user. “They were filling up right in front of the harbor and flying over my hotel.”
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A third Reddit user said, “We’re in Antiparos now and it’s safe here. We saw our house on fire last night. It looked really bad, but it’s almost gone now.”
The Paros wildfire comes as Europe continues to battle a severe bushfire season.
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Earlier this month, another massive wildfire burned near Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, due to record heat and dry conditions.
A wildfire near Thessaloniki earlier this month underscored the severe fire conditions Greece has faced during this year’s wildfire season. (Vasilis Ververidis/Xinhua via Getty Images)
France and Spain have been hit by massive fires in recent weeks, including the famous Fontainebleau forest near Paris, where nearly 4,900 hectares of forest were burned.
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While the record-breaking heat has intensified fire danger across Europe, experts say human activities, suspected burning and land management have also contributed to the devastating bushfire season.
Simon Constable contributed reporting.
