Massive Wildfire Spirals Out of Control Near Greek Capital

A ferocious wildfire that started Sunday afternoon blazed through homes and forced evacuations in northern Athens, covering the city in smoke and ash. The overpowering smell of burning hung in the air across central Athens.

ATHENS, Greece — On Monday, a voracious wildfire spread uncontrollably through the northern suburbs of Athens. Gale-force winds complicated the efforts of hundreds of firefighters and numerous water-dropping planes.

Flames soared to over 25 meters (80 feet) as Greece requested aid through Europe’s mutual civil protection mechanism. The fire, which began on Sunday, disrupted power in parts of Athens, affecting traffic lights at major junctions.

The blaze reached Athens suburbs 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the city center. While there were no reports of trapped residents, 15 individuals sustained injuries, mainly from smoke inhalation.

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced France’s dispatch of a helicopter, 180 civil security personnel, and 55 fire engines. Additionally, Greece’s civil protection authority said Italy would send two water-dropping planes and the Czech Republic would contribute 75 firefighters and 25 vehicles. Spain and Turkey were finalizing their aid plans.

The wildfire rampaged through pine forests dried by consecutive heat waves. Greece experienced its hottest June and July on record this year, alongside its warmest winter. This early fire season strained Greece’s firefighting resources.

“Firefighters have been working relentlessly for months,” stated Nikos Lavranos, head of Greece’s main firefighters’ union. He emphasized their exhaustion. Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias described the situation as an “exceptionally dangerous fire” that had been burning for over 20 hours under dire circumstances.

Three hospitals, including a children’s hospital, along with two monasteries and a children’s home, were evacuated. Authorities sent 30 emergency alerts urging evacuations. The rapidly shifting winds exacerbated firefighting efforts, impairing visibility.

The fire department spokesperson, Col. Vassileios Vathrakogiannis, revealed that firefighters faced over 40 flare-ups since Monday morning. More than 190 vehicles, 702 firefighters, 80 armed forces personnel, 17 water-dropping planes, and 16 helicopters were involved in combating the blaze.

Three Athens hospitals remained on high alert as paramedics treated two firefighters and 13 civilians for breathing issues. The Athens Medical Association urged caution among those at risk, including individuals with chronic conditions and respiratory problems.

Due to the wildfire, Greece’s coast guard rerouted ferries from the port of Rafina to Lavrion. Authorities also provided temporary shelter for evacuees in sports halls and hotels.

Police moved over 250 people from the fire’s path, with video footage showing officers assisting elderly residents. Authorities stressed the importance of complying with evacuation orders to prevent rescues that could endanger firefighters’ lives.

Meteorologists and government officials warned of severe wildfire risks from Sunday through Thursday, placing half of Greece under a red alert. Climate change has been linked to the increasing intensity and frequency of wildfires in Greece, causing a tragic toll on human life and property in recent years.

Lefteris Pitarakis in Dioni, Greece, Derek Gatopoulos in Athens, Greece, and Elise Morton in London contributed to this report.