France, Aug. 3 -- The crash at the weekend has underlined the dangers facing emergency crews during an increasingly intense wildfire season across southern Europe, where scientists say climate change is creating longer and more frequent periods of extreme fire weather.

Greek authorities said nine water-bombing aircraft and nine helicopters were supporting around 450 firefighters tackling three difficult fronts at Psatha, Kryo Pigadi and Kandyli, between 45 and 70 kilometres north-west of Athens.

The aircraft had previously been grounded by powerful winds, with gusts reaching between 80 and 130 kilometres per hour around Porto Germeno, a popular coastal resort that has been evacuated since Friday.

Further evacuations were ordered near K...