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Greece wildfires: At least 74 people are dead and that number could rise

Posted at 10:38 AM, Jul 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-24 12:38:05-04

At least 74 people are dead and that number is expected to rise from wildfires in Greece on Monday. That number could be much higher after emergency responders complete a search of burned homes and cars.High winds and dry conditions caused numerous fires in coastal villages near Athens. Some of the victims were found huddled together on the beach where they tried to get away from the flames.Several victims drowned after jumping into the water. Nineteen people were picked up swimming away from the beach as people tried to flee from the flames and thick smoke. Roughly 700 people were evacuated by sea in both government and commercial boats. The fires spread so fast that people could not escape them in their cars.Greek authorities said they battled 47 different fires, with more than 400 firefighters supported by ten water-dropping aircraft.A number of countries are offering to send firefighting equipment to help put down fires.