Heavy lightning triggers wildfires on Greek island of Thassos

Heavy lightning triggered two fires on the Greek island of Thassos on Wednesday, the fire brigade said, a day after firefighting forces tamed wildfires fanned by unusually strong winds on two other islands.

More than 32 firefighters assisted by 13 fire engines, one aircraft and two helicopters were trying to put out the flames devouring forest land on two fronts on the island in the northern Aegean Sea 306 km (190 miles) north of Athens.

Reinforcements from the nearby city of Kavala were expected during the day.

Wildfires have become more common and devastating in Greece in recent years because of climate change, scientists say, frequently disrupting summer tourism as millions flock to the country's islands.

Rainfall would normally be a blessing in areas that have not seen a drop in months, but the accompanying lightening made things worse on Thassos.