- Hundreds of people in central Greece are being evacuated by sea after the coastal town they were in became hemmed in by one of the many wildfires raging across the country.
- Around 500 people, mostly tourists, were left stranded after the fire broke out near Agios Vasileios in Viotia on Friday morning and rapidly spread on strong winds.
- Firefighters continue to battle a large wildfire on the Greek island of Crete that ignited earlier this week.
- Greece is one of several European nations suffering devastating wildfires after a succession of heatwaves created favourable conditions for them.
- On Friday, more than 70 fires broke out across Greece, prompting the fire brigade to be at the maximum level of alert.
- Residents of two communities west of Athens were advised to evacuate as smoke billowed from densely wooded hills surrounding the Greek capital.
- In Spain, conditions have improved as the national emergency in Avila was lifted, returning control to regional authorities.
- Firefighters in Portugal and Spain are still tackling blazes spanning thousands of hectares, with a new heatwave this week raising the risk of a massive fire near Madrid reigniting.
- Climate change is making the conditions for wildfires more common, as most wildfires are sparked by humans, whether intentionally or accidentally.
- Fires have also broken out on the islands of Paros, Andros, and Kalymnos, adding to the challenges faced by Greek firefighters.
Greece is facing a severe wildfire crisis, with hundreds evacuated from coastal towns near Athens as flames spread rapidly due to strong winds.6
Over 70 fires erupted across the country, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders and deploy water-bombing aircraft.
In Boeotia, residents were evacuated by coast guard boats as thick smoke enveloped the area.
On Crete, firefighters are battling persistent hotspots, having evacuated around 2,000 tourists and locals.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported significant destruction of homes and farmland.
Climate change and heatwaves have exacerbated the wildfire situation across Europe, with Greece, Spain, and Portugal all experiencing devastating blazes.9
In Spain, over 200,000 hectares have burned this year, while Portugal is also facing higher-than-average wildfire activity.
As conditions improve in France and Spain, Greece remains on high alert, with firefighters working tirelessly to contain the flames.
“We are fighting a huge battle to contain the blaze,” said Giorgos Tsapakos, deputy regional governor of Civil Protection of Crete.
The Greek fire brigade is at maximum alert, particularly in the Attica peninsula and Evia, where fires are frequent.
The situation remains critical as Europe grapples with the ongoing threat of wildfires fueled by climate change and extreme weather conditions.
“On Crete, a wildfire has torched thousands of hectares and prompted the temporary evacuation of 8,000 people. In Portugal, a blaze near Valpaços has burned 15,000 hectares of vineyards and olive groves and injured five people.”
