Greece is grappling with destructive wildfires each summer, with authorities responding to over 4,500 incidents in recent months.

This summer's wildfire season has been particularly intense, following the warmest winter and hottest June and July in Greece since 1960.

The combination of severe drought and early heatwaves has significantly contributed to the increase in forest fires this summer.

A severe wildfire erupted near Xylokastro in southern Greece, approximately 131 kilometers from Athens, prompting the evacuation of six villages.

Villages such as Pyrgos, Elliniko, and Kallithea were evacuated as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of residents.

Since the outbreak of the fire, hundreds of firefighters and nine firefighting aircraft have been deployed to combat the blaze, which is being complicated by strong winds.

The fire began on September 29 and spread rapidly due to winds exceeding 70 kilometers per hour, making firefighting efforts particularly challenging.

Tragically, two local men, aged 35 and 40, died while assisting firefighters, with authorities describing their deaths as a 'tragic accident'.

The bodies of the deceased were severely burnt, necessitating laboratory tests for identification, as confirmed by Greek police.

Despite the fatalities, there have been no additional reports of missing persons or destroyed homes in the affected area.

Smoke from the fire has affected visibility and air quality in Athens, raising concerns for residents.

Interestingly, despite the severity of this summer's fires, the total burned area this year is about 25% less than the average of the last 20 years.