Greece Faces Devastating Wildfires Amid Heatwave Crisis

As Greece battles five large wildfires fueled by extreme heat and strong winds, officials are evacuating residents from affected regions, while seeking assistance from the EU to combat the growing blazes.

Greece is currently grappling with five major wildfires that have sparked urgent evacuations in regions close to Athens. Alarmingly, the fires are raging just 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) north of the capital, with the unmistakable scent of burning wood reaching central Athens. The country is enduring a severe heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar to 44C on Sunday, continuing through much of the weekend.

Greece's Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister, Giannis Kefalogiannis, reported a concerning situation, stating, "We have injured firefighters, human lives were put at risk, properties have been burned, and forest areas have been destroyed." High winds, in conjunction with the relentless heat, have exacerbated the fire conditions. Consequently, Greece has formally sought assistance from the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism for six additional firefighting aircraft.

In the Attica region, a fire that erupted in Afidnes on Saturday has rapidly spread to areas including Drosopigi, Kryoneri, and Agios Stefanos, compelling residents to evacuate their homes. Although the primary fire front has been contained, isolated hotspots remain. Over 200 firefighters, alongside helicopters and water-bombing aircraft, continue their valiant efforts in the area.

The island of Evia is battling another dangerous blaze near Pissona, which officials describe as "out of control," encroaching towards Afrati. Multiple villages, such as Pournos and Mistros, face power outages due to flames destroying pylons and power infrastructure. Casualty reports include six firefighters hospitalized with burns and smoke inhalation as 115 personnel persist in combating the fires. Mayor Giorgos Psathas of Dirfyon-Messapion remarked, "The destruction is incalculable."

In Kythira, a third wildfire is sweeping across the island, leading to scenes of "total destruction" as several settlements were evacuated. The coastguard, along with private boats, successfully rescued 139 individuals from Limnionas beach, ensuring their safe transport to Kapsali port.

A fourth wildfire broke out in Messinia's Polithea area, igniting on Saturday morning and swiftly escalating. Emergency alerts via Greece's 112 system prompted evacuations in various localities. The challenging conditions, bolstered by strong winds, hinder firefighting efforts, involving 84 firefighters, 30 vehicles, and seven aircraft.

Lastly, a fifth wildfire rages in the Temenia area of Crete's Chania region, having originated in two separate locations and expanding rapidly, damaging at least two homes. Officials remain vigilant, as numerous regions—including the Ionian Islands, Western Greece, and the Peloponnese—remain under significant fire threats.

This crisis follows a month where wildfires on Chios destroyed over 4,700 hectares (11,600 acres), and a prior incident forced the evacuation of 5,000 tourists on Crete earlier in July. The situation continues to evolve, demanding urgent attention and action.