Wildfire near munitions depot causes evacuation of nearby town; explosions heard

Numerous residents and visitors in and around the Nea Aghialos township in central Greece, near the port city of Volos, were being evacuated by sea on Thursday afternoon due to a wildfire raging in the area.

The situation became dire when loud explosions were heard – and recorded by television crews, in fact – coinciding with flames reportedly advancing towards a munitions depot in a major air base located in the area. No information was given as to what caused the explosions, although the mere presence of a fire near munitions generated an immediate general evacuation order.

Some 80 private craft were seen transporting people from the Nea Aghialos coast, which is located in Magnesia prefecture.