German tourist killed in Greek forest fire

High winds and temperatures continue to fuel a forest fire raging out of control in northern Greece. Two hotels have been evacuated on the Halkidiki peninsula, near the city of Thessaloniki. Five others are under threat in one of the country’s most popular tourist areas, where hundreds of people are fleeing the flames, many running onto beaches and into the sea to escape the inferno. Many spent last night in the open.

The fire is extended along a 35-kilometre front, and over 200 firefighters and 74 fire engines are attempting to contain it. One German tourist was reported killed but in spite of destruction to property – houses, cars and woodland – it appears very few people have been hurt. There has also been infrastructural damage, with downed power lines and roads throughout the region cut off.

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