Firefighters are working tirelessly to extinguish the remnants of a devastating wildfire that hit the northeast suburbs of Athens, marking Greece’s worst wildfire this year. The blaze, which forced residents and business owners to flee, leaving many to return to nothing but ruins, was fueled by a combination of dry pine forests, multiple heatwaves, and strong winds. Despite the winds dying down and the fire no longer advancing, efforts continue to put out lingering slow-burning areas. International support has arrived, with firefighters and equipment from Turkey, France, Italy, Serbia, and other EU countries joining the efforts. The tragedy has claimed the life of a factory employee in her 60s, highlighting the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires due to climate change.
- The wildfire, Greece’s worst this year, occurred 35 km northeast of Athens, affecting residential and business areas.
- Residents faced rapid devastation, with flames reaching up to 25 meters high, driven by strong winds and exacerbated by dried-out pine forests.
- Although the advancing front of the fire has been halted, firefighters are now focusing on extinguishing hundreds of slow-burning areas.
- International support includes over 180 French firefighters, firefighting planes from Italy, helicopters from France and Serbia, and ground forces from five European countries.
- One casualty, a factory employee in her 60s, has been reported as a result of the blaze.
- Climate change is cited as a contributing factor to the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Greece.
- Dozens of other fires have broken out across Greece, with concerns of worsening conditions due to expected high winds.
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