Two Greek firefighting helicopters collided in midair on Sunday while responding to a wildfire west of Athens, resulting in one helicopter crashing to the ground. The Greek fire department reported that four crew members were recovered, with two found safely and two unconscious. Their current condition is not known.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by firefighting crews as strong winds exacerbated the wildfire situation in the region. The flames have spread rapidly through western Attica, threatening communities and an industrial area outside Megara. Firefighting aircraft have struggled to collect water due to the violent winds.
In France, a significant wildfire has forced the evacuation of 224,000 people, marking one of the largest civilian evacuations outside wartime. The fire has burned approximately 420 square kilometers (162 square miles) in the Gironde region. In Spain, major fires have also prompted evacuations, with at least 13 fatalities reported this season.
The European Environment Agency noted that wildfires have been linked to nearly 800 deaths across Europe over the past four decades. The continent has experienced its worst fire year on record in 2025, with over 10,000 square kilometers (3,860 square miles) burned. Climate change is believed to have increased the likelihood of extreme fire-weather conditions this year.