Greek minister: Illegal construction exacerbated fires

Greece's Defence Minister, Panos Kammenos, told the BBC that illegal construction has contributed to deadly fires in this country.

He said that the construction of residents in forested areas has been “crime” that has resulted in the blocking of life routes.

Kammenos faced angry residents Thursday, until he visited areas destroyed by fires east of Athens this week.

At least 81 people have died and research teams fear they will find more victims, as dozens of people are missing.

Cammenos dismissed the accusations that the government has failed to protect its citizens.