Author: THANASSIS STAVRAKIS Associated Press and

ATHENS, Greece — Hundreds of seasonal firefighters gathered outside Greece’s Civil Protection Ministry Thursday, demanding permanent positions as their contracts expire following a grueling wildfire season. The protesters, many wearing their tan and red uniforms, used whistles and aerosol horns while carrying Greek flags during the demonstration. They represent some 2,500 firefighters whose short-term contracts […]

MARATHON, Greece — In the blackened remains of his workshop, sculptor Vangelis Ilias stacks what little is left of years of his efforts. In August, a ferocious wildfire swept through the mountains north of Athens, Greece’s capital, pushing into the city and coming within feet of where Ilias created made-to-order tombstones, statues and other items […]