Fire in Greece – Several towns evacuated

Flames 25 metres high and houses on fire: forest fires have broken out in several areas of Greece. In addition, the winds continue to fan the flames: meteorologists have repeatedly warned of the risk of fire recently.

The smoke has long since reached the capital: a fire broke out in Greece about 30 kilometers north of Athens. Several villages and towns in the Varnavas and Marathon areas were evacuated. Greek television showed hundreds of residents being evacuated to safety by fire engines and police.

A fire department spokesman told Greek radio that the flames would rise more than 25 metres. According to the fire department, 250 emergency services with 67 vehicles, 12 firefighting planes and seven helicopters have been deployed to fight the fire.

Lots of people with smoke inhalation

Greek media reported that several people suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to hospitals. It is not yet clear how many homes were destroyed or damaged, but television reporters reported seeing dozens of homes burning.

In some cases, there were disputes between residents and police. Despite the approach of the fire, many people refused to leave their homes and tried to save their belongings with garden hoses. Tourist facilities are not threatened so far, according to reports.

severe drought

Another fire broke out early Sunday afternoon in Megara in the western Attica region. 48 firefighters and many volunteers were on the scene with 13 vehicles, two planes and two helicopters. In the Thessaloniki area, a fire was partially brought under control in the town of Lagadas, with 20 firefighters, 10 vehicles and a helicopter battling the flames.

Fire department spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis told reporters that the fire department had managed to control 33 of the 40 fires this afternoon.

Meteorologists and civil defense experts had repeatedly warned over the weekend: Due to the severe drought and strong winds currently prevailing around the Aegean Sea, even the smallest fire could turn into a large blaze within minutes.

Highest fire risk

The Civil Defense published a map showing that the area around Athens and large parts of central Greece are at the highest fire risk level. The Civil Defense said the situation will remain extremely dangerous in the coming days. Most of Greece has not had proper rain for months.

After the warmest winter ever recorded, Greece also experienced its warmest June and July since temperature records began in 1960, making it highly vulnerable to wildfires.