A major wildfire is raging on the northern outskirts of Athens, Greece, prompting widespread evacuations of towns, hospitals, and suburbs. Hundreds of firefighters, supported by numerous water-dropping aircraft, are working to control the blaze.

Early Monday, evacuation orders were issued for several areas around Athens, with sports halls and hotels being readied to accommodate those displaced. Residents are urged to comply with evacuation instructions from civil protection authorities. Some individuals who initially refused to evacuate later found themselves trapped and had to be rescued, which endangered both their lives and the efforts of firefighters.

The fire, which began on Sunday afternoon approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Athens, has rapidly advanced toward the city due to strong winds and extremely dry conditions. The blaze has covered the Greek capital in a thick layer of smoke, darkening the skies.

Authorities attribute the intensity and frequency of these fires to climate change. The Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister, Vassilis Kikilias, has issued a “red alert” for wildfire risk, noting that half of the country is currently at high risk.

The country has already experienced severe wildfires this year, following a particularly dry winter and record-breaking heatwaves in June and July. Last year’s wildfires resulted in over 20 fatalities.