Rapidly Spreading Wildfire In Athens Forces Evacuation Of Residents
A massive wildfire, fueled by gale-force winds, has spread to the outskirts of Athens, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents, including those from the historic town of Marathon.
The fire, which broke out on Sunday afternoon near Varnavas, about 22 miles from the Greek capital, has rapidly grown, with flames reportedly reaching heights of 80 feet. The blaze has already destroyed homes, olive groves, and vineyards, leaving many residents devastated.
Wildfire advances despite firefighting efforts
The wildfire, one of the worst Greece has faced this year, is being fought by over 670 firefighters, supported by 183 fire engines, 32 water bombing planes, and helicopters.
Despite these efforts, the fire continues to advance rapidly, driven by gale-force winds that make it difficult for firefighting aircraft to operate effectively. The situation is expected to worsen, with winds forecasted to intensify, further complicating the battle against the flames.
Fire attributed to hottest June and July on record
The fire's rapid spread has been attributed to the exceptionally hot and dry weather conditions Greece has experienced this summer, conditions that have been exacerbated by climate change. This summer has seen Greece record its hottest June and July on record, with temperatures expected to soar to 40°C (104°F) in the coming days.
Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias warned that the dangerous weather conditions would persist, keeping the country on high alert for more wildfires.
Residents and hospitals evacuated
The fire has already reached the northern suburbs of Athens, including the heavily wooded area of Mount Penteli, where three hospitals have been evacuated. Authorities have also ordered evacuations in several other areas, including the seaside town of Nea Makri and the village of Grammatiko. The thick smoke from the fire has cast a dark cloud over parts of Athens, adding to the sense of urgency and danger.
Residents in the affected areas have described the scene as "uncontrollable" and "devastating."
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis returns from holiday to oversee crisis response
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis returned to Athens from a holiday on Crete to oversee the response to the crisis. The memories of the deadly 2018 fire in Mati, which claimed 104 lives, are still fresh, making the current situation even more alarming for residents and authorities alike. Mitsotakis visited the fire brigade's operations centre to assess the situation and coordinate the response.
The fire has already burned through more than 100 square kilometres of land, with no signs of slowing down. Emergency services are continuing their efforts to contain the blaze, but with the winds expected to pick up, the fight against the fire is far from over. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to heed evacuation orders and prioritise their safety as the wildfire continues to rage.
