A devastating wildfire in Greece has claimed at least one life while threatening homes and prompting widespread evacuations across the region.
Wildfires engulf southern Greece, leaving one dead
Wildfires engulf southern Greece, leaving one dead
Intense flames spread rapidly near Athens as evacuation alerts prompt urgent response from authorities
One person has been confirmed dead following a fierce wildfire in the Keratea region, southeast of Athens, which erupted early Friday afternoon. Firefighters discovered the body of an elderly man in his home located in Togani, an area close to the wildfire's origin. Over the past day, Greece has experienced an alarming surge in wildfires, with over 50 incidents reported nationwide, marking one of the summer's most perilous days for fire outbreaks.
The blaze began shortly after 2:00 PM local time, rapidly consuming dry grass and parched land, and exacerbated by gusty winds that reached up to 8 Beaufort. These strong winds hampered firefighting efforts as thick smoke filled the air. Authorities quickly sent emergency messages through the civil protection service, urging thousands of locals to evacuate. Police have already stepped in to assist in evacuations, removing multiple residents who initially refused to leave.
Evacuations have taken place in several areas, including Synterina, Dimolaki, and Drosia, where flames have devastated entire neighborhoods. Roads have been cut off as flames encroach upon residential areas, driving urgency in the response. Lavreotiki mayor Dimitris Loukas described the fire as “extremely difficult” to control, stretching over seven kilometers in length and threatening nearby pine forests.
A substantial firefighting force, including 190 firefighters, ground teams, vehicles, and aerial support comprising 11 aircraft and seven helicopters, is currently engaged in battling this fierce wildfire. Crews from other countries, including the Czech Republic and Romania, have joined local teams in this extensive firefighting operation, while army engineering units provide additional machinery for containment.
Meanwhile, another significant wildfire has erupted in Helidoni, within the municipality of Ancient Olympia in western Greece. Authorities warn that embers carried by winds remain the greatest threat, igniting additional spot fires, especially near high-voltage power lines.
Emergency messages have been dispatched to residents in nearby towns, advising them to head toward Pyrgos. Fire crews are actively combating flames in multiple locations, and one person has already been hospitalized with severe burns. As conditions remain critical, officials alert communities about the ongoing risk of further wildfires, particularly in areas like Attica and Peloponnese.
As Greece battles these wildfires, eyes remain on the ongoing situation, reflecting the urgent need for safety and containment across affected regions.
The blaze began shortly after 2:00 PM local time, rapidly consuming dry grass and parched land, and exacerbated by gusty winds that reached up to 8 Beaufort. These strong winds hampered firefighting efforts as thick smoke filled the air. Authorities quickly sent emergency messages through the civil protection service, urging thousands of locals to evacuate. Police have already stepped in to assist in evacuations, removing multiple residents who initially refused to leave.
Evacuations have taken place in several areas, including Synterina, Dimolaki, and Drosia, where flames have devastated entire neighborhoods. Roads have been cut off as flames encroach upon residential areas, driving urgency in the response. Lavreotiki mayor Dimitris Loukas described the fire as “extremely difficult” to control, stretching over seven kilometers in length and threatening nearby pine forests.
A substantial firefighting force, including 190 firefighters, ground teams, vehicles, and aerial support comprising 11 aircraft and seven helicopters, is currently engaged in battling this fierce wildfire. Crews from other countries, including the Czech Republic and Romania, have joined local teams in this extensive firefighting operation, while army engineering units provide additional machinery for containment.
Meanwhile, another significant wildfire has erupted in Helidoni, within the municipality of Ancient Olympia in western Greece. Authorities warn that embers carried by winds remain the greatest threat, igniting additional spot fires, especially near high-voltage power lines.
Emergency messages have been dispatched to residents in nearby towns, advising them to head toward Pyrgos. Fire crews are actively combating flames in multiple locations, and one person has already been hospitalized with severe burns. As conditions remain critical, officials alert communities about the ongoing risk of further wildfires, particularly in areas like Attica and Peloponnese.
As Greece battles these wildfires, eyes remain on the ongoing situation, reflecting the urgent need for safety and containment across affected regions.
