Wildfire erupts on Greece’s Samos Island

By Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA (AA) – A wildfire erupted Tuesday in a wooded area of Greece’s Samos Island in the Aegean Sea, the state news agency AMNA reported.

The fire broke out near the Vronta Monastery in the eastern part of the island and the village of Vourliotes was evacuated for precautionary reasons, it said.

The report said an 80-year-old man has been detained as the alleged arsonist.

Forty-nine firefighters, 12 fire engines and three ground teams are tackling the blaze, assisted by three aircraft and a helicopter.

In addition, 40 volunteers and local authorities are operating in the area, the report noted.

Additional firefighters and fire engines were also deployed from Athens to bring the wildfire under control. ​​​​​​​