Greece seeks EU support to fight raging wildfires
Greek Wildfires Threaten Athens and the Peloponnese
The latest heatwave has sent temperatures above 45 °C across Greece, sparking a widespread blaze that has forced evacuations near Athens and on the islands of Crete, Euboea and Kythera.
Emergency Response and European Aid
- Red Category 5 alerts have been issued for several regions, reflecting the extreme risk of wildfires.
- In the last 24 hours alone, 52 fires erupted, with 44 tackled immediately at their ignition points.
- Greece has requested the RescEU mechanism, asking for six firefighting aircraft to strengthen containment efforts.
- Firefighters from the Czech Republic are currently deployed as part of European assistance.
Key Fire Fronts and Evacuation Efforts
One of the most challenging fronts is located 30 km north of Athens, where authorities ordered the evacuation of the village of Drosopigi. Several houses are ablaze, with strong winds pushing flames through properties.
- Another front has reached the village of Kryoneri, where houses are burning. Police have evacuated at least 27 people.
- On the island of Kythera, dozens of beachgoers were trapped and rescued by a coastguard vessel and three private boats.
Heatwave Conditions and Local Impact
- The heatwave, which began on July 21, is expected to last until Monday.
- Friday’s warmest temperature was 45.8 °C in Messinia, while Saturday’s peak was 45.2 °C in Amfilohia.
- On Euboea, two fire trucks were destroyed and two firefighters were taken to hospital with light injuries.
- In Chalcis, the district mayor reported that several pig farms were already engulfed.
Uncontrolled Blaze and Growing Evacuation
Authorities in the Messinia region of the Peloponnese continue to evacuate residents as the fire front poses a dangerous threat. The situation remains out of control, with destruction deemed immeasurable.
