Greece wildfire alert: High risk in Attica, Evia, and Aegean islands

wildfire season civil protection drought fire risk Greece

Greece is facing a critical phase in its wildfire season, driven by intense drought and high fuel availability. Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Evangelos Tornaras, has warned that the situation is extremely volatile, stating that “everything is dynamite” in the coming days due to expected strong winds.

Since the start of the season, 3,083 fires have been recorded, with 830 occurring in August alone. While this represents a 20% decrease compared to previous years, approximately 300,000 stremmata of land have been burned. Four major fires in Rethymno and Boeotia were responsible for roughly 200,000 stremmata of the total damage.

Authorities have implemented high-alert levels (Category 4 - Very High Risk) for several regions, including Attica, Evia, Crete, and various Aegean islands. In response, the firefighting fleet has been reinforced with seven Canadair CL-515 aircraft, eight Super Pumas, and three Leonardo AW139 helicopters. To date, 313 arrests and 738 administrative fines have been issued for fire-related violations.

In addition to emergency response, the government has activated a state aid framework for areas affected by fires in July and August, with a total planned expenditure of approximately 9.79 million euros to support housing and local recovery.

Entities

Aegean islands · Attica · Crete · Evangelos Tornaras · Evia · General Secretariat for Civil Protection · Greece · Hellenic Fire Service · Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Authorities have made 313 arrests and issued 738 administrative fines related to fire violations. www.fortunegreece.com
[● 7 SOURCES] There have been 3,083 fires since the start of the wildfire season, with 830 occurring in August alone. www.messinialive.gr · www.fortunegreece.com · www.naftemporiki.gr · www.madata.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 300,000 stremmata (approx. 30,000 hectares) have been burned so far. www.fortunegreece.com · www.messinialive.gr · www.madata.gr
[● 7 SOURCES] Greece is currently in a critical phase of the wildfire season due to intense drought and dry fuel availability. www.messinialive.gr · www.fortunegreece.com · www.naftemporiki.gr · www.madata.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The firefighting fleet has been reinforced with seven new Canadair CL-515 aircraft, eight Super Pumas, and three Leonardo AW139 helicopters. www.fortunegreece.com
[● 7 SOURCES] The number of fires has decreased by approximately 20% compared to previous years. www.madata.gr · www.messinialive.gr · www.fortunegreece.com · www.naftemporiki.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] 830 fires occurred during the month of August alone. www.madata.gr
[DISPUTED] Four major fires were responsible for approximately 200,000 stremmata of the total burned area. www.madata.gr · www.fortunegreece.com
[DISPUTED] Approximately 300,000 stremmata of land have been burned. www.madata.gr · www.fortunegreece.com
[● 3 SOURCES] There have been 3,083 fires recorded since the start of the fire season. www.madata.gr
[● 7 SOURCES] Evangelos Tornaras warned that the upcoming days are difficult due to high fire risk. www.madata.gr · www.messinialive.gr · www.fortunegreece.com · www.naftemporiki.gr