ATHENS, GREECE – Greece is battling devastating wildfires for a second consecutive day, prompting widespread evacuations, with the flames threatening homes, forests, and even historical sites. As temperatures soared and strong winds fanned the blazes, emergency services scrambled to contain multiple fronts burning across the mainland and surrounding islands.
Early Sunday, residents on the island of Kythera, located off the southeastern tip of the Peloponnese, received evacuation alerts as fires raged uncontrollably through forests, olive groves, and rural properties. The situation remains volatile, with Greece facing one of its most challenging wildfire seasons in recent years.
On the island of Kythera, local officials described a dire scene. Giorgos Komninos, the deputy mayor, told local media outlet ERT News, “Houses, beehives, olive trees have been burnt. A monastery is in direct danger right now.” He added that nearly half of the island has suffered damage.
The fire on Kythera broke out early Saturday and rapidly spread due to dry conditions and strong winds. Popular tourist destinations were evacuated, including beach resorts and small villages. Dozens of firefighters were deployed, supported by three helicopters and two aircraft, as they struggled to contain the flames.
Evacuation messages were sent via text early Sunday, urging residents and tourists to leave the affected areas immediately. Many were forced to flee their homes in the early morning hours as smoke filled the air and visibility dropped.
Greece Receives International Assistance
As the crisis worsens, Greece has requested emergency aid from European Union partners. Two firefighting aircraft from Italy were expected to arrive Sunday, while Czech firefighting crews had already joined operations on the ground.
The fire brigade confirmed that aerial firefighting efforts resumed at dawn, with helicopters and aircraft targeting active fronts in the Peloponnese, Evia, and Kythera.
These reinforcements are part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, a coordinated response system that allows member states to send support to countries facing natural disasters.
Beyond Kythera, wildfires are also ravaging other parts of Greece. In Evia, northeast of Athens, overnight flare-ups destroyed large swaths of forest and led to the deaths of thousands of farm animals. The region, which experienced devastating wildfires in 2021, remains particularly vulnerable due to dense vegetation and dry summer conditions.
In the western Peloponnese, firefighters continue battling several fronts, including near residential areas. While wind conditions were expected to ease slightly by Sunday, forecasters warned that Kythera remained at risk due to continued gusty conditions.
Further south, on the island of Crete, wildfires that erupted Saturday afternoon have reportedly destroyed at least four homes and a church. By Sunday morning, local reports indicated that those fires had largely been brought under control, though hot spots remain.
The wildfire emergency is unfolding as Greece suffers from prolonged heatwave conditions. For nearly a week, temperatures have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) in many parts of the country, turning forests and farmland into tinderboxes. The National Meteorological Service expects the extreme heat to subside gradually starting Monday.
Officials have placed 11 regions of the country under a “very high fire risk” alert. Civil protection authorities are urging citizens to avoid outdoor fires, unnecessary travel, and to report any signs of smoke or flame immediately.
Greece’s civil protection minister has vowed to increase aerial and ground firefighting resources, while also thanking international partners for their support. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a statement that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors.
“We are facing an extremely dangerous fire season. The combination of heat, wind, and dry vegetation makes every spark a potential disaster,” the prime minister warned.
The government has also announced compensation plans for affected homeowners and farmers, as well as immediate shelter for evacuees.
Climate experts warn that Greece is becoming increasingly susceptible to extreme weather events, with longer dry seasons and more intense heatwaves increasing wildfire risk across the Mediterranean region.
The ongoing wildfires in Greece are a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change, inadequate forest management, and volatile weather patterns. As firefighters work tirelessly to contain the blazes and international assistance pours in, the nation faces a long road to recovery.
With high fire danger still forecasted in many regions and emergency services stretched thin, the situation remains critical. Residents are urged to remain alert, follow evacuation orders, and support efforts to protect communities and natural heritage.
Source- EWN
