Greece confronts massive wildfires as strong winds force evacuations and aerial response

Strong winds have ignited and spread large forest fires across Greece, especially near Athens (about 60 km northwest of the capital), the Peloponnese, Crete and several Aegean islands. Massive smoke plumes are visible from Athens.

Authorities have declared the highest red alert for the Athens region and southern Euboea, and elevated alerts for Crete, the Peloponnese and islands such as the Cyclades, Ios, Lesbos and Lemnos. Around 325 firefighters, 92 vehicles, 18 aircraft and seven helicopters (plus additional support aircraft) are battling the blazes.

Evacuations have been ordered for villages including Agia Paraskevi, Agios Nektarios and Krio Pigadi, as well as coastal settlements near Porto Germeno. The coast guard rescued twelve people stranded on a beach and transferred them safely inland. In France’s Var department, about 2,500 residents were evacuated as the fire spread there.

The fires have destroyed dozens of homes, burned forest and agricultural land, and caused damage to at least one fire engine. Ongoing strong winds continue to hinder aerial suppression efforts.