A rapidly spreading wildfire, driven by gale-force winds, reached the outskirts of Athens on Monday, destroying trees, homes, and vehicles. The blaze prompted the evacuation of several hospitals and numerous towns and villages, according to Greek officials.
Since May, Greece has experienced a surge in wildfires, exacerbated by extremely hot and dry conditions linked to climate change. While summer fires are common in Greece, the intensity and frequency of these blazes have increased. Similar severe fires have also been reported in parts of Spain and the Balkans this month.
More than 670 firefighters, supported by volunteers, 183 fire engines, and 32 water-dropping planes and helicopters, have been deployed to combat the wildfire, which erupted at 3 p.m. (midday GMT) on Sunday near Varnavas, 35 km (20 miles) north of Athens.
By Monday, the fire, the worst in Greece this year, had advanced to Grammatiko, the seaside town of Nea Makri, and the outskirts of Athens’ densely populated northern suburbs near Mount Penteli.
“This is heartbreaking. We grew up in this forest. We feel immense sadness and anger,” said Marina Kalogerakou, a 24-year-old resident of Penteli, whose home was almost engulfed by flames.
Strong winds continued to shift the fire’s direction, and the area affected was estimated at 30 km (18.64 miles). Winds were expected to intensify, further complicating firefighting efforts, according to Theodore Giannaros from the National Observatory of Athens. “We are facing a very challenging day ahead,” he told state TV ERT.
Firefighting aircraft resumed operations early Monday after a brief overnight hiatus. Police reported assisting the evacuation of at least 250 people. Some residents took refuge in shelters, though an exact count was not yet available.
At least three hospitals and several communities in the Penteli area have been evacuated. The fire, with flames reaching up to 25 meters (82 feet), spread rapidly due to strong winds, fire brigade spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said on Sunday.
Thick smoke blanketed Athens by Sunday evening, with flames approaching the residential suburb of Dionysos, about 23 km (14 miles) northeast of the city center, and nearby districts.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the fire brigade’s operations center on Monday morning after returning from a vacation in Crete. This visit came with recent memories of the 2018 Mati fire, which claimed 104 lives.
Greece is facing what is projected to be its hottest summer ever, following a record warm winter and prolonged periods of drought. The country remains on high fire alert, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40°C (104°F) until at least Thursday.
“Unfortunately, the forecasts have been confirmed,” said Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias in a televised statement. He assured that the state’s response was swift, with the first aircraft deployed just five minutes after the wildfire began.