Major Wildfires Force Evacuations and Strain Resources in Northeast Athens
A large wildfire northeast of Athens has led to the evacuation of at least three hospitals and approximately ten localities, affecting thousands of residents. The fire ignited on Sunday afternoon around 3 PM in Varnava, roughly 35 kilometers from the capital. By 7 PM, it had ravaged an area close to 100 square kilometers, equivalent to about 1,500 football fields.
The situation rapidly escalated due to strong winds, causing the fire to spread southward and impacting areas such as Grammatico, Marathon, and the vicinity of Mount Pentelico, which lies closer to Athens. The Greek Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, confirmed that more than 670 firefighters, along with 27 forest crews equipped with over 180 ground vehicles, are engaged in grappling with the blaze. The aerial resources include 17 water bombers and 15 helicopters, all focused on firefighting operations.
As firefighting efforts continue, parts of Athens remain enveloped in smoke and ash, creating hazardous air quality for residents in the region. Summer wildfires are not uncommon in Greece, but emerging scientific evidence suggests that these incidents are increasingly intensified by rising temperatures and prolonged periods of drought—conditions made more frequent by climate change.
In response to the heightened fire risk, the country has extended its highest alert level for fire hazard at least until Thursday, indicating a growing concern for further outbreaks.
Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant as they face the dual challenges of managing the active fires and preparing for the potential for new incidents in what has become a critical climate crisis event in the region.
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