Journalism of Courage
Firefighters and residents of Greece's second largest island, Evia, have been battling a massive forest fire for the last seven days, since it began on August 3. (AP)
The fire has claimed vast tracts of the forest, destroying homes and businesses along the way and forcing the evacuation of at least 2,000 residents and tourists. (AP)
The smoke and ash have blocked out the sun over the island, turning the sky orange as the fire burns across the northern part of the island. (AP)
Greece has been facing its worst heat wave in three decades, with temperatures soaring to 45 degrees Celsius for days, turning the forests bone-dry. (AP)
More than 600 firefighters have been trying to contain the fire. Local residents at the Ellinika village in Evia have also joined in the efforts to put out the blaze. (AP)
Several residents of the seaside village, Pefki, on the Evia island, about 176-km north of Athens, gathered at the beach to escape the wildfires. (AP)
The residents of the Pefki village were rescued through a ferry and taken to the mainland harbour of Arkitsa. (AP)
Other parts of the country are also witnessing blazes, such as southern Greek region of the Peloponnese, and the northern fringes of Athens. In pic, smoke spreads over Parnitha mountain during a wildfire in the village of Ippokratios Politia. (AP)
The wildfires have stretched Greece's firefighting capabilities to the limit, prompting the government to seek outside help. Several residents have been calling Greek television networks with appeals for help, particularly from water-dropping planes and helicopters. (AP)
More than 20 countries in Europe and the Mideast have reached out to help Greece and sent planes, helicopters, vehicles and manpower in hopes of containing the wildfire. (Reuters)
