Monday, August 12, 2024 A massive wildfire in northern Athens forced the evacuation of thousands of residents on Sunday as flames, some reaching heights of 25 meters, threatened nearby towns. Emergency services issued evacuation orders for several towns close to the Greek capital, including the historic Marathon, as firefighters battled to control the fast-spreading blaze. The fire, fueled by strong winds of 39-46 mph, rapidly spread across the region, engulfing homes in Varnavas and Grammatiko.
“The village was surrounded in no time,” resident Katerina Fylaktou told Reuters, describing the speed at which the fire spread. Greece faced as many as 40 wildfires on Sunday, with seven major blazes stretching the country’s firefighting resources. Authorities placed several regions on high alert for wildfires, with conditions expected to remain hazardous through Monday.
Vassilis Kikilias, Greece’s climate crisis and civil protection minister, warned that high temperatures, strong winds, and drought conditions had placed half the country under a high-risk warning. In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cut short his holiday to return to Athens and oversee the emergency response efforts. By Sunday evening, the wildfire in Varnavas had already scorched 100 square kilometers of land.
Residents of Varnavas and Grammatiko received evacuation orders through the national emergency system, and those in Marathon were advised to head toward the coastal town of Nea Makri. Fire service spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging residents to follow evacuation instructions immediately. Despite the deployment of 165 firefighters, 30 vehicles, and multiple aircraft, efforts to control the fire were hindered by strong winds, which continued to fan the flames through the night.
Hospitals in Athens remained on high alert as thick smoke from the wildfires blanketed parts of the city. Greece has been plagued by hundreds of wildfires this summer, as the country experienced its hottest June and July on record. The relentless heat and dry conditions have created a dangerous environment, making it challenging for firefighters to contain the blazes.
The wildfires not only threaten lives and property but also pose a significant risk to Greece’s rich cultural heritage. Smoke from the fires was visible above several historic sites in central Athens, including the Greek parliament building and Hadrian’s Arch, as the city grappled with the ongoing disaster. As Greece continues to battle the wildfires, the situation remains critical, with emergency services working tirelessly to protect lives and property.
The country is bracing for more challenging days ahead as the fire season continues to intensify..
