Fast-moving wildfire threatens Athens, forces widespread evacuations
A severe wildfire, fueled by gale-force winds, rapidly advanced toward Athens on Monday, incinerating trees, homes, and vehicles, and leading to the evacuation of several hospitals and numerous towns and villages, according to Greek authorities. The blaze, which began on Sunday afternoon near Varnavas, about 35 kilometers north of the capital, is the most severe wildfire Greece has experienced this year.
As of Monday, the fire had spread to Grammatiko, Nea Makri, and the northern suburbs of Athens, including the heavily wooded Mount Penteli. The inferno, with flames reaching up to 25 meters high, expanded across an estimated area of 30 kilometers due to strong winds altering its direction.
In response, over 670 firefighters, 183 fire engines, and 32 aircraft, including waterbombing planes and helicopters, have been deployed to combat the blaze. The firefighting efforts were briefly halted overnight but resumed early Monday. Police have evacuated at least 250 individuals, with many seeking refuge in shelters.
Thick smoke enveloped Athens by Sunday evening, with flames approaching the residential suburb of Dionysos and nearby areas. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who cut short his holiday in Crete, visited the fire brigade’s operations center on Monday. This disaster echoes memories of the 2018 Mati fire, which claimed 104 lives.
Greece is experiencing its hottest summer on record following an exceptionally warm winter and prolonged drought. With temperatures expected to soar up to 40°C (104°F), the country remains on high fire alert. Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias confirmed that the state’s response was swift, with firefighting aircraft deployed just five minutes after the wildfire started.
