Greek wildfires reach the outskirts of Athens. EU agency records a huge spike in carbon emissions

By PETROS GIANNAKOURIS and DEREK GATOPOULOS
Associated Press

RHODES, Greece (AP) — Wildfires have reached the outskirts of Athens as strong wind gusts cause flare-ups around Greece, disrupting highway traffic and rail services. The fires have raged across parts of the country during three successive Mediterranean heat waves over two weeks, leaving five people dead. A European Union science agency says wildfire carbon emissions for July in Greece were by far the highest since records started 20 years ago. Funerals for two pilots who died in a firefighting plane crash this week will be held on Thursday and Friday.