Flames light up sky as wildfires cause major explosions at Greek air force ammunition dump

The fire likely triggered subsequent explosions which reportedly led to windows being shattered on houses in the surrounding area.

The air force said the ammunition dump, which is just four miles north of the airbase, was evacuated well in advance of the blast.

Officials have said no injuries were reported following the incident.

Nearby villages were also ordered to evacuate the scene and the local fire service added no injuries were reported.

Fire Service spokesman Ioannis Artopios said 12 villages were ordered evacuated in the Volos-Nea Anchialos area.

“Despite their superhuman efforts, our forces were unable to stop the blaze,” he said.

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The fire was eventually also brought under control by late Thursday.

Greece’s air force transferred F-16 fighter jets from the nearby air base to another facility as a precaution.

However, it also stressed the base had not been under any immediate threat.

Wildfires have caused havoc across the Mediterranean, with more than 40 people dying in Algeria, Italy and Greece.

The popular holiday destination of Rhodes has been put into a state of emergency.

Temperatures in Greece are not expected to drop any time soon.

Mercury could soar to as high as 44C in parts of Greece.

Athens has spoken openly about the role climate change is having on the current situation.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday: “Without doubt, we can see that all across the Mediterranean the climate crisis is here, and it’s affecting us all more strongly than perhaps even scientists had warned us about.”