More than 150 wildfires have ignited across Greece in just 48 hours, prompting the deployment of over 18,000 firefighters as the country battles an extreme fire crisis fueled by record heat and gale-force winds, the government has said.
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection reported that emergency services were overwhelmed, with more than 70 new fires breaking out per day.
In response, the government has toughened penalties for arson and announced new prevention measures, including doubling the number of surveillance drones.
Authorities have also made three arrests in connection with a recent fire in the Achaia region.
To aid those affected by the blazes, the government will implement a three-year exemption from the ENFIA property tax for homeowners in the fire-stricken areas.
Officials also took steps to dispel false reports circulating on social media regarding casualties and the extent of the damage.
The current crisis marks one of the most severe wildfire periods Greece has faced in recent years.