Additional firefighting forces are being deployed to the island of Samos where a wildfire broke out on Tuesday afternoon, said the Fire Brigade.

A total of 14 firefighters and 7 fire engines departed from the port of Piraeus late on Tuesday evening, heading to the blaze in the area of Neraki, near the Vronta monastery in Vourliotes, eastern Samos. The village of Vourliotes has been evacuated for precautionary reasons.

Some 49 firefighters with 12 fire engines and 3 ground teams are operating in the area, assisted by 3 aircraft and 1 helicopter; 40 volunteers, local government heavy machinery and municipal water tanks are also helping out. 

An eldlerly person has been detained as the alleged arsonist, it was added. 
 

[File photo]