Greece wildfire destroys 100+ homes, sparks prenatal health concerns

A fast‑moving wildfire erupted in western Attica, northwest of Athens, scorching farmland, destroying more than 100 homes and forcing horses to flee the flames. Firefighters and Hellenic Civil Protection crews continue battling the blaze as communities cope with extensive property loss and disrupted services.

Research by the University of Maryland, led by associate professor Michel Boudreaux, found that smoke from such wildfires is eroding decades of air‑quality improvements. The study warns that prenatal exposure to wildfire smoke raises the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, especially among low‑income, rural and Indigenous populations. The Greek fire adds to the broader burden of smoke that affects health across the United States and Europe.