**Tragic Wildfires Claim Life in Southern Greece, Prompt Mass Evacuations**

A significant wildfire outbreak in Greece has tragically resulted in at least one death, increasing fears as temperatures soar.

One individual has lost their life following a catastrophic wildfire incident in Keratea, located southeast of Athens, which swiftly escalated, leading to considerable property damage and urgent evacuation orders. The body of an elderly man was discovered in his residence in the Togani region, not far from where the blaze ignited. The fire broke out shortly after 14:00 local time (12:00 BST) on Friday, rapidly consuming dry grass and adjacent lands.

Currently, over 50 wildfires are raging throughout Greece, making it one of the most severe days for wildfires this summer. Wind conditions, measuring up to 8 Beaufort with gusts of 9, have exacerbated the situation, causing the fire near Keratea to grow both in size and severity. The thick smoke combined with strong winds poses a significant challenge to firefighting efforts.

Within moments of the fire's outbreak, the 112 civil protection service dispatched emergency alerts, compelling thousands of residents to evacuate the affected regions. Law enforcement is actively assisting with evacuations, having already removed a minimum of ten individuals who declined to leave their homes. So far, seven regions have been cleared: Synterina, Dimolaki, Maliasteka, Agiasma, Charvalo, Drosia, and the significantly impacted settlement of Ari.

Mayor Dimitris Loukas of Lavreotiki described the wildfire as "extremely difficult" to manage. It has now expanded beyond seven kilometers in length, with flames moving south from Manoutso into a dense pine forest, complicating containment efforts as they advance towards the Anavyssos area. Authorities caution that, if not contained swiftly, the blaze could continue to enlarge.

A robust response team of 190 firefighters, along with ground teams, 44 vehicles, and the mobile operations center dubbed "Olympus," are battling the flames, reinforced by 11 aircraft and seven helicopters. Firefighters from the Czech Republic and Romania have also contributed to the containment efforts, alongside army engineering units providing essential heavy machinery.

As the day progressed, another major wildfire ignited in Helidoni, within the municipality of Ancient Olympia in western Greece. Fire officials emphasize that the greatest hazard arises from embers carried by the wind, sparking new fires. With high-voltage power lines in the vicinity, crews face an urgent race to prevent the flames from reaching them.

Evacuation notices were also issued to residents in Grammatikos, Lantzoi, Agios Georgios Lantzoïou, Pournari, and Irakleia, directing them towards Pyrgos for safety. Fire crews are actively quelling blazes in Grammatikos, Lantzoi, Helidoni, and Irakleia, while strong gusts drive the fire alarmingly close to Pelopio and the Archaeological Site of Ancient Olympia.

One individual caught in the Helidoni football ground was hospitalized due to severe arm burns. Approximately 80 firefighters, supported by three ground teams and 25 vehicles, alongside local authority resources, are combating the flames. Six aircraft and three helicopters are providing aerial assistance.

Authorities have cautioned that the risk of future outbreaks remains high, especially in regions including Attica, the Peloponnese, and western Greece—areas already grappling with ongoing wildfire threats.