Devastating Wildfires Rage Across Athens as Thousands Evacuate
A massive wildfire erupted in the northeastern suburbs of Athens on Monday, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes and prompting the Greek government to seek international assistance. The flames rapidly consumed large areas, triggering a dramatic response from emergency services as they battled to contain the blaze.
Residents, struggling against thick smoke and choking fumes, donned masks and frantically worked to protect their properties. In Nea Penteli and Vrilissia, near the heart of the fire, families attempted to douse their homes with water hoses, desperate to ward off the growing threat. Melina Kritseli, 40, a civil servant from Halandri, described the frightening scene, explaining how she took her children to a friend's house to ensure their safety while her husband fought the flames just outside their home.
Television footage captured the devastation, showing cars reduced to charred remains and historic houses engulfed in flames, as fire-fighting helicopters swooped overhead. "The situation is dramatic," Penteli Mayor Natassa Kosmopoulou stated, highlighting the significant threats posed to schools, homes, and even the town hall itself.
In response to the escalating crisis, Greece officially called for assistance from the European Union. The EU's civil protection mechanism was activated, with countries like Italy, France, the Czech Republic, and Romania dispatching support units to assist in the efforts. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with Greece amid the raging fires.
France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced the deployment of 180 firefighters, alongside trucks and a helicopter, to bolster the Greek forces that were already stretched thin. Meanwhile, help from Spain and Turkey was also being organized, as the scale of the disaster became more apparent.
The wildfire, which began on Sunday in Varnavas—approximately 22 miles northeast of Athens—was fueled by strong winds, resulting in a vast, 30-kilometer frontline of flames reaching heights of over 80 feet in certain areas. Dimitris Megagiannis, a goat herder near Penteli, described the heartbreaking loss of his animals as he witnessed the devastation unfold.
Authorities mobilized over 700 firefighters equipped with nearly 200 fire engines and upwards of 30 aircraft to fight the inferno. The Olympic stadium in northern Athens was opened as a refuge for thousands forced to evacuate their homes. Several major hospitals were placed on standby, while one firefighter suffered serious burns and others were treated for smoke-related ailments.
The situation was made more urgent as smoke billowed across central Athens, casting thick clouds over Mount Pentelikon, famed for its marble used in ancient buildings like the Acropolis.
Despite heroic efforts, the fire continued to escalate throughout the night. Fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis reported a staggering 40 locations had reignited due to persistent winds. Evacuations were ordered for a children's hospital and a military medical facility in Penteli, with further evacuations occurring throughout the day.
The current crisis resonates with the memories of the devastating Mati disaster of July 2018, which saw 104 fatalities due to delays in emergency responses during previous wildfires. This year's summer season in Greece has seen a marked increase in wildfires, as the country registered higher temperatures and prolonged drought conditions—making it the warmest winter and hottest June and July since records began in 1960. On that fateful Monday, temperatures in Athens peaked at 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit), with wind gusts reaching 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour).
Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias warned that half of Greece was under high fire risk due to extreme temperatures, arid conditions, and powerful winds. As the battle against the blaze continues, firefighters remain committed to their cause, with one stating, "We're working 24-hour shifts, all of us," underscoring the community's determination in the face of adversity.
Experts warn that human-induced fossil fuel emissions are exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heatwaves globally, leading to longer wildfire seasons and increased devastation across regions like Europe. As this trend continues, nations including France and Italy are also grappling with soaring temperatures, making a united global approach to address climate-induced disasters more crucial than ever.
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