Greece Faces Unprecedented Fire Fights Amid Heatwave

Greece is currently struggling with multiple wildfires exacerbated by extreme heat and high winds, leading to mass evacuations near Athens and substantial property damage. The government has requested EU assistance to bolster firefighting resources.

Greece is facing a critical battle against multiple wildfires across the country, particularly near Athens, where five major blazes have ignited, forcing evacuations in areas just 30 km (18.6 miles) from the capital. The pervasive smell of burning wood has reached central Athens, prompting the Greek government to seek support from European Union authorities to combat the worsening situation. This critical emergency coincides with a severe heatwave, as temperatures are expected to peak at a staggering 44°C this Sunday, with extreme heat predicted to linger over the weekend.

Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "We have injured firefighters, human lives were put at risk, properties have been burned, and forest areas have been destroyed." The combination of scorching temperatures and high winds has intensified the fires’ spread. Greece has formally appealed to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for six additional firefighting aircraft to assist.

In the Attica region, where Athens resides, a fire that ignited in Afidnes on Saturday has rapidly spread through populated areas, including Drosopigi, Kryoneri, and Agios Stefanos, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate. Fire service spokespersons have reported that while the main front has been contained, there are still scattered hotspots burning, necessitating the continued efforts of over 200 firefighters, helicopters, and water-bombing aircraft.

Meanwhile, a fierce blaze on Evia island has spiraled out of control near Pissona, racing towards Afrati, leaving several villages, including Pournos and Mistros, without electricity due to damage to power lines. So far, six firefighters have been hospitalized from burns and inhalation injuries, with 115 personnel actively combating the flames. "The destruction is incalculable," lamented Giorgos Psathas, the mayor of Dirfyon-Messapion.

In Kythira, a large-scale wildfire has reportedly engulfed significant portions of the island, with local residents describing the devastation as "total destruction." Evacuations have been conducted, and the coastguard, along with private vessels, successfully rescued 139 individuals stranded on Limnionas beach, safely transporting them to Kapsali port.

A fourth wildfire erupted in Messinia the same morning, particularly intense in the Polithea area of Trifylia, leading to emergency alerts urging local villagers to evacuate. Firefighting remains precarious due to strong winds, with 84 firefighters, 30 vehicles, and seven aircraft deployed to tackle the urgent fire threat.

Lastly, a fifth devastating wildfire is raging in the Chania region of Crete, originating in two separate locations and rapidly spreading, with reports of at least two homes destroyed. Areas across the country, including the Ionian Islands, Western Greece, Epirus, and other regions, remain under significant risk for further fires.

Greece has witnessed catastrophic wildfires in recent months, including previous incidents on Chios island last month that devastated 4,700 hectares (11,600 acres) of land and forced the evacuation of 5,000 tourists on Crete earlier in July.