Greece wildfires rage as more than 1000 people evacuated near Athens

• A mid-air collision involving two firefighting helicopters in Greece resulted in the deaths of a Greek and a Danish national, with two others hospitalised, as the country battles widespread wildfires.
• Greece is facing significant wildfire challenges, with Athens remaining at high risk and over 1,000 people evacuated, including 250 rescued by boat from beaches, though easing winds have allowed for increased aerial firefighting efforts.
• The Greek blaze, attributed to a faulty power line from a wind farm, led to the arrest of two contractors on charges of negligent arson, underscoring Europe's increasing vulnerability to intense summer wildfires due to climate change.
• France has experienced its largest wildfire on record near Bordeaux, which is now contained, allowing thousands of evacuees to return, while another significant blaze in Provence remains uncontained amid expectations of stronger winds.
• The UK recorded its driest July in nearly two centuries for England and Wales, leading to official drought declarations across much of the region, while the Netherlands is also battling a large forest fire, highlighting a continent-wide struggle with extreme dry conditions and heat.

IN FULL

Athens at high risk as Greece sees another summer of deadly wildfires