Greece Faces Inferno: Wildfire Battling Near Athens Continues
Greece is grappling with a devastating wildfire near Athens that has entered its third day, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes. The blazes, fueled by strong winds and extreme heat, are being combated by approximately 700 firefighters, supported by 200 fire engines and nine aircraft. As a result of this catastrophe, one person has been confirmed dead, and at least 66 others have sustained injuries, with two firefighters among those hurt.
Firefighting efforts have intensified, but the head of the association of Greek firefighter officers, Costas Tsigkas, warned that conditions are harsh, with forecasts predicting temperatures soaring up to 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) and winds reaching 39 kilometers (24 miles per hour).
The fire ignited on Sunday afternoon in the town of Varnavas, located around 35 kilometers northeast of Athens, and has since expanded into a perilous wildfire front stretching 30 kilometers, with flames rising over 25 meters (80 feet) in some locations. Current estimates suggest that over 10,000 hectares of land have been devastated, as indicated by Greece's National Observatory, which is itself threatened by the spreading inferno.
In response to the disaster, the Greek government has called for international assistance, prompting the arrival of additional firefighters and equipment from France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey. Amidst the destruction, a tragic discovery was made when a woman’s body was found inside a burned factory in Patima Halandriou, which is part of an evacuated municipality of over 70,000 residents.
Despite the coordinated firefighting operations, Greece’s conservative government has faced criticism from the press, with headlines such as "Enough is enough" echoing discontent over the handling of the crisis. Media outlets have highlighted that the raging inferno has created significant destruction, inciting questions about the government’s response.
The evacuation of areas such as Nea Penteli, Palaia Penteli, Patima Halandriou, and Vrilissia has been widespread as the wildfire threatens homes, businesses, and vehicles. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis returned from his vacation on the island of Hania to manage the crisis, visiting the Civil Protection Ministry amidst the unfolding disaster but has yet to make a public statement regarding the escalating emergency.
This incident is reminiscent of the catastrophic wildfires in July 2018, which claimed 104 lives in Mati, raising concerns about the efficacy of evacuation strategies during such disasters. The summer wildfire season this year has been particularly alarming as Greece experiences its warmest winter and hottest June and July since record-keeping began in 1960, leading to increased fire risks across the Mediterranean nation.
Related Sources: