Greece is facing its hardest days yet of this year’s wildfire season, a senior firefighting official said, after dozens of new blazes erupted in a single day and extreme weather hampers extinguishing efforts.

Strong winds, prolonged dryness and intense heat have worsened conditions across much of the mainland and on the islands, forcing evacuations and dramatic rescue operations in recent days.

Kostas Tsingas, head of the fire brigade officers’ association, told broadcaster ERT News on Wednesday that 82 new fires were recorded across the country the previous day, a number he called “exceptionally high”.

The situation is particularly dangerous near the western city of Patras, on the hard-hit Peloponnese peninsula, where two large fires are burning.

Major blazes are also raging in the re

See Full Page