British tourists in Greece receive emergency alert as significant wildfires sweep through the country, while a wildfire near Denali National Park in Alaska leads to a temporary closure. Greece faces earliest heatwave on record, with evacuations in localities near Athens. Enhanced firefighting efforts in place, including deployment of firefighters, helicopters, and volunteers. In Alaska, cooler temperatures and possible thunderstorms expected to aid firefighting, with high number of wildfires reported this year.
Wildfires Prompt Emergency Alert for British Tourists in Greece and Cause Temporary Closure of Denali National Park in Alaska
British tourists in Greece have received an emergency alert due to a significant wildfire sweeping through parts of the country. The alert comes amid Greece’s earliest recorded heatwave, which has exacerbated the situation. The Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, announced evacuations in eight localities near Athens, including Keratea and Stamata, due to “extremely dangerous” fires.
The wildfires have also put popular islands such as Chios and Kos on high alert, with emergency services issuing evacuation orders for residents and tourists in affected areas. Enhanced firefighting efforts are in place, including the deployment of firefighters, helicopters, and volunteers.
Separately, a wildfire near the entrance of Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska forced the temporary closure of the park on July 1, 2024. This closure affected the entrance, visitor facilities, and campgrounds, with an evacuation center set up in Healy for park employees. Approximately 50 firefighters have been working to contain the fire, which spans half a square mile and is burning on the west side of the Nenana River.
Cooler temperatures and possible thunderstorms are expected to aid firefighting efforts in Alaska, with the state experiencing a high number of wildfires this year. As of Monday, 309 wildfires have burned nearly 672 square miles in Alaska, with 17 fires starting in the last day.
