EU backs Greece as wildfires rage

Greek Wildfires Threaten Homes, Evacuations Ramp Up

For a second consecutive day Greek firefighters are battling escalating wildfires that have demolished domestic properties and forced mass evacuations. International support is on the horizon, with Czech rescue units already in action and Italian aircraft slated to land later this week.

Peloponnese and Island Fronts Ignite

• Morning flames surged across the Peloponnese region west of Athens.
• Simultaneous outbreaks erupted on the islands of Evia and Kythera.
• Aerial teams—including helicopters and planes— resumed operations at dawn.

Kythera Faces “Worrying” Winds

While most of Greece’s heatwave is set to quell, Kythera encounters persistently gusty conditions. Local authorities issued evacuation notices early Sunday as the blaze continued to rage unabated.

Impact on Homes, Hives, Olive Trees

Deputy Mayor Giorgos Komninos, speaking to ERT News, remarked:

“Houses, beehives, olive trees have been burnt. A monastery is in direct danger right now, half of the island has been lost.”

International Assistance Mobilized

Three helicopters, two aircraft, and several Czech professionals are actively battling the Kythera inferno, which began Saturday morning, forcing the abandonment of a popular tourist beach. EU allies have been requested, with two Italian planes expected Sunday. Units from the Czech Republic are already in service.

Heatwave Conditions Amplify Fire Risk

Eleven regions across Greece remain in a very high fire risk zone, according to officials. Firefighters continue operations in multiple Peloponnese locales, and overnight flare-ups occurred on Evia, near Athens, where forest destruction and the loss of thousands of farm animals are reported.

Crete’s Fires Contained

Additional reports from Crete describe fires that ignited Saturday afternoon, destroying four houses and a church, with containment largely achieved.

Heatwave Continues, Temperatures Near 40°C

Greece has endured a week of relentless heatwave conditions, with many areas experiencing temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius. The hot spell is projected to dissipate from Monday onward.