Wildfires have been occurring around Greece this summer, including one which broke out in northern Athens over the weekend, so some people might be wondering if it is safe to travel to the country. Beginning on Sunday (August 11) the blaze began with authorities having to evacuate towns, villages and hospitals on the outskirts of Athens. By Monday (August 12), blazes were confirmed in 40 different locations, with some areas seeing flames as high as 25m (82ft).
Greece's chief fire brigade spokesman Vasilis Vathrakogiannis spoke to BBC News and confirmed that there are no longer any active wildfires in the wider Athens area, but officials remain on high alert. What @BBCNews @cskarelli & I saw earlier today in one of the hardest hit suburbs of Athens as #Greece was forced to once again respond to a summer of #wildfires . Now, fire service has said there are no longer active fires in wider Athens area but on high alert for flare-ups.
pic.twitter.com/Pb2h8UPtL6 — Azadeh Moshiri (@Azadeh_Moshiri) August 13, 2024 Milder winds and extensive efforts by the emergency services have helped bring the blazes under control.
However, there is still a risk of flare-ups because of wind gusts and temperatures soaring well above 30C in the daytime. One woman has died and dozens have been injured in the last few days due to the wildfires. Is it safe to travel to Greece right now? On the Government travel advice page for Greece, it has not recommended people to not travel to Greece.
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