A Greek fireman lost his life on Sunday during efforts to extinguish a wildfire near Parorio village, 160 km northwest of Athens, the Greek Fire Brigade announced.

The 49-year-old man felt sick, collapsed during the battle with the flames and was transferred to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to an e-mailed press release. The conditions and reasons of his death are being investigated.

The fireman was the first victim of the wildfires which have broken out this summer in Greece.

The wildfire at Parorio where a total of 15 firemen manning a dozen engines were trying to contain the blaze was one of the 42 wildfires the Fire Brigade battled on Sunday across the country.

No inhabited areas have been threatened and no major damages have been yet recorded and in most cases the situation was under control, although firemen's work was hampered by the strong winds blowing in several regions nationwide.

Greece is tested by several wildfires each summer which are linked to high temperatures or arson in many cases. In 2007 in the worst wildfire-linked tragedy in decades over 80 people died during major wildfires across the country. Endit

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