Hundreds of people were forced to leave their homes and holiday houses on Thursday as a massive wildfire roared through the area near the coastal town of Palaia Fokaia, just 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Athens. The flames, driven by fierce winds and scorching summer heat, have left a trail of destruction in their path.
“Firefighters are fighting a huge battle with the flames, mainly near houses,” said fire brigade spokesperson Vasilios Vathrakogiannis during a televised news conference.
“Our teams are working non-stop to protect lives and property.”
More than 130 firefighters rushed to the scene, joined by 12 aircraft and 12 helicopters dropping water from the sky. As thick, grey smoke blanketed the region, police helped move at least 40 people to safety.
Coastguard vessels were also ready nearby, prepared to rescue more people by sea if needed.
A seaside road running through the affected area was quickly cordoned off to keep the public safe and allow emergency crews to do their work.
The fire’s rapid spread was fueled by high winds and temperatures that soared to 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) on Thursday.
Why Are Wildfires So Bad in Greece?
Greece sits on Europe’s hot, southernmost edge, where summers are getting hotter and drier because of climate change. In recent years, the country has suffered from more frequent and severe wildfires and floods.
This has led to millions of euros in damage and forced the government to take strong action.
“The risk of wildfires will remain high on Friday before the weather gets cooler,” warned authorities. They urged residents to stay alert and follow evacuation orders.
To prepare for what could be another tough wildfire season, Greece has increased its number of firefighters to a record 18,000 this year.
The government has also spent hundreds of millions of euros to buy modern firefighting equipment and to help families and farmers recover from weather-related disasters.
But despite these efforts, wildfires remain a major threat. Some areas, like the region around Palaia Fokaia, are especially at risk.
In fact, environmentalists sometimes call this area “the world’s highest garbage dump” because of its vulnerability to fires and pollution.
Local residents described scenes of panic and confusion as the fire approached.
“We saw the smoke first, then the flames coming over the hill,” said Maria,
a resident who was evacuated with her family. “We grabbed what we could and left. It was terrifying.”
Another local, Nikos, added, “We’ve been through this before, but it never gets easier. We always hope it won’t happen again, but every summer it’s the same story.”
What Happens Next?
As of Thursday evening, firefighters were still battling the flames, and thick smoke could be seen for miles. The situation remains dangerous, and authorities are ready to evacuate more people if necessary.
“We are doing everything we can to keep people safe,” said Vathrakogiannis. “But we need everyone to be careful and listen to warnings.”
Experts say that as long as the climate continues to change, Greece will face more extreme weather and bigger wildfires.
The government is working hard to protect its people, but the challenges are growing every year.
For now, the people of Palaia Fokaia and nearby towns are hoping for cooler weather and a quick end to the fire season. But with summer just beginning, everyone knows that the battle against wildfires is far from over.
Quote of the Day
“In the face of fire, we see the true strength of our community. Together, we can overcome even the toughest challenges.”
— Local volunteer, Palaia Fokaia
This quote, shared by a volunteer helping with the evacuation efforts, highlights the spirit of cooperation and resilience among those affected by the wildfire.
Greece is once again facing the devastating effects of wildfires, with hundreds forced to flee near Athens. Firefighters are working around the clock, but climate change is making the fight harder every year. The country is doing its best to prepare, but the danger remains high for communities on the front lines. The people of Greece continue to show courage and solidarity as they face this ongoing challenge together
