Greece is in the grip of a worsening wildfire crisis as more than 50 active blazes rage across the country, fueled by a persistent and extreme heatwave. Emergency services and international reinforcements are mounting a large-scale firefighting operation while thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate.
Fires Burn Across Mainland and Islands
Some of the most severe fires are concentrated in Peloponnese, Crete, Evia, and Kythera, as well as the northern suburbs of Athens, including Drosopigi and Kryoneri. In these regions, flames have engulfed forests, agricultural land, and homes while residents and tourists have scrambled to evacuate as conditions deteriorate.
In Kythera, nearly half of the island has been scorched with entire olive groves, beekeeping operations, and historic monasteries threatened or destroyed. Authorities have described the situation as catastrophic.
In Attica, the fire in Drosopigi, just 30 kilometers north of Athens, has damaged homes and triggered widespread evacuations. In Kryoneri, several elderly residents were hospitalized with respiratory complications due to thick smoke.
Relentless Heat and Winds Fuel Flames
The wildfires have been intensified by a prolonged heatwave that has pushed temperatures to over 45°C (113°F) in many areas including Amfilochia and southern Peloponnese. Compounding the crisis, dry conditions and strong winds measuring 30 to 50 km/h have rapidly spread the fires across parched landscapes.
Greek authorities have issued Category 5 (Red Alert) warnings for fire risk in multiple regions, the highest level on the national fire danger scale. Eleven districts remain on high alert today as meteorologists predict little immediate relief.
Massive Emergency Response Underway
More than 200 firefighters, supported by dozens of fire engines, 10 firefighting aircraft, and 7 helicopters, have been deployed across the country. Greece has activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, with Italy and the Czech Republic among the first countries to send reinforcements.
The scale of these fires combined with the weather conditions has created a titanic challenge, said a spokesperson for Greece’s Fire Brigade. But we are committed to protecting lives and property.
Impact on Tourism and Travel
While Greece remains open to international travel, several embassies and foreign ministries have advised tourists to exercise extreme caution. Travelers are urged to monitor local alerts, avoid high-risk zones, and follow evacuation instructions if needed.
No major airports or international flights have been disrupted, but localized travel restrictions and road closures are affecting access to some resort areas and inland towns.
A Nation Under Pressure
This latest wildfire emergency highlights the growing vulnerability of Mediterranean countries to climate extremes. With temperatures expected to remain high in the coming days and fires still out of control, Greek authorities warn the situation could worsen before it improves.
We are facing the consequences of a climate crisis that is no longer a future threat it is our present reality, Greece’s Civil Protection Minister stated.
As Greece braces for another scorching week, the country remains on high alert, hoping the combination of international assistance and favorable weather shifts can bring the fires under control.