ATHENS: Greece is facing a severe wildfire crisis, with thousands of residents ordered to evacuate on Sunday as firefighters battled multiple blazes across the country. The situation is expected to worsen, with experts warning of more extreme weather in the coming week.
A particularly “dangerous” fire near Athens has blanketed parts of the capital in a dark haze, prompting the evacuation of several towns, including the historic site of Marathon. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis returned to Athens early from his holiday to oversee the emergency response.
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Fire brigade spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis reported that firefighters had managed to control 33 of the 40 fires that erupted within the last 24 hours, but seven significant blazes were still raging in the intense Mediterranean heat. A force of over 400 firefighters, supported by 110 vehicles and nearly 30 aircraft and helicopters, is currently battling the flames, some of which have reached heights of more than 25 meters.
One of the most severe fires is in the Varnavas area of East Attica, where it has spread to a pine forest, sending thick smoke over Athens and forcing hundreds to flee from at least eight nearby villages. Despite evacuation orders, many residents have remained behind, trying to protect their homes.
In the village of Metohi, residents like Eugenia are fearful of the night ahead, as the fires continue to threaten their homes. Meanwhile, in Polydendri, a village near the fire’s front, despair is setting in as residents witness the destruction of their livelihoods. “Everything is burning. I have 200 olive trees there, but now they are gone,” said 48-year-old Giorgos Tsevas.
Elsewhere, a fire in Megara, West Attica, triggered an evacuation alert and caused significant damage before being partially contained. In Thessaloniki, a blaze in the Lagadas area was brought under partial control, with firefighting efforts ongoing.
Temperatures in Greece are expected to peak at 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday, with winds reaching up to 90 kilometres per hour in some areas, complicating firefighting efforts. The country has seen record-breaking heat this summer, following the warmest winter on record. Scientists link these extreme conditions to human-induced climate change, which is intensifying heat waves and prolonging wildfire seasons globally.
Key Points
Mass Evacuations: Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate on Sunday as wildfires raged across Greece.
Location and Impact: A “dangerous” fire near Athens caused heavy smoke, leading to evacuations in several towns, including Marathon.
Government Response: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cut short his holiday to manage the crisis.
Firefighting Efforts: Firefighters controlled 33 out of 40 fires within 24 hours, but seven significant fires continued to burn, with over 400 firefighters and nearly 30 aircraft involved in the efforts.
Severe Conditions: High temperatures and strong winds, with gusts up to 90 km/h, complicated firefighting efforts.
Damage: Significant damage was reported, including in the village of Polydendri, where a resident lost 200 olive trees to the flames.
Record-Breaking Heat: Greece is experiencing record high temperatures, following the warmest winter on record, with scientists attributing the worsening conditions to climate change.
