Vacation paradise evacuated as raging wildfire threatens to roar back amid high winds

Greek authorities warned Wednesday that strong winds could reignite a wildfire on the popular tourist island of Paros, after the blaze forced residents and visitors to evacuate.

Paros, an island between Mykonos and Santorini, was hit by the wildfire Tuesday, prompting precautionary evacuations in multiple communities.

Flames spread through dry vegetation near the Kampi area, Italian outlet Ansa reported.

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Although the blaze has since been largely contained, authorities are warning that strong winds could reignite lingering hot spots, the Greek City Times reported.

The winds could complicate firefighting efforts, the outlet said, and residents are being urged to avoid any activities that could spark fires.

As firefighters battled the blaze, local officials asked residents with available space to help house emergency crews working to contain the fire.

“The Municipality of Paros warmly thanks everyone who is responding in person at this difficult moment, supporting the forces that are fighting the flames.” the translated statement read.

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Fox News Digital reached out to the Municipality of Paros for comment.

Known for its whitewashed villages and beaches, as well as its high-quality Parian marble, the island attracts visitors across the world. 

On a Reddit forum dedicated to travel in Greece, users shared concerns and firsthand accounts of evacuations as the wildfire spread across Paros.

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The commenters had been staying in Aliki and Parikia, two villages on the island, as well as the nearby island of Antiparos.

“We were staying near Aliki and had to evacuate,” one person said. “Fire is pretty big now.”

“I’m in Parikia at the moment. There are currently 4 choppers helping with the [wildfire], plus ground support,” another Reddit user said. “They were filling up water right in front of the harbor and flew overhead my hotel.”

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A third Reddit user said, “We’re in Antiparos now and it’s safe here. We could see the fires from our house last night. It looked really bad, but it seems like it’s almost gone now.”

The Paros wildfire comes as Europe continues to battle a severe wildfire season.

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Earlier this month, another major wildfire burned near Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, due to record heat and dry conditions.

France and Spain have been hit by massive blazes in recent weeks, including the famed Fontainebleau Forest near Paris, where roughly 4,900 acres of woodland was burned.

While record-breaking heat has intensified the fire danger across Europe, experts say human activity, suspected arson and land management have also contributed to the devastating wildfire season.

Simon Constable contributed reporting.