Wildfire on Rhodes island, Greece (2023-07-18)

A wildfire started in the afternoon of 18 July in a forest area of Rodos Island and is still ongoing. Residents of the villages of Eleousa, Salakanos and Dimilia were ordered to evacuate. According to the Hellenic Fire Service, 86 firefighters are currently operating in the area, assisted by 3 ground force groups, 28 vehicles, 3 water-bombing aircraft and 3 helicopters. Personnel and means of municipalities, regions, armed forces and groups of volunteers are assisting. Copernicus EMS Rapid Mapping is requested to provide an initial rough estimation, to support the monitoring and assessment of the extent of the wildfire and the damage caused.