A massive wall of forest fires is engulfing the outskirts of Athens, Greece, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes and leaving the city shrouded in a thick haze of smoke and ash. The blazes, fueled by strong winds and tinder-dry conditions, have been raging for over 20 hours, with authorities struggling to contain the inferno.
The main wildfire is burning through pine forests northeast of Athens, with flames racing through the dry underbrush with alarming speed. Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias described the situation as “exceptionally dangerous,” with firefighters battling the flames under “dramatic circumstances.”
At least 25 areas have been forced to evacuate residents, including at least three hospitals, a children’s hospital, a military hospital, two monasteries, and a children’s home. The evacuation orders were issued throughout the day as strong winds continued to fan the flames, making it difficult for firefighters to gain control of the blaze.
Firefighters from Athens and nearby Marathon were deployed to the affected areas, with 685 firefighters, backed by 27 teams specially trained to tackle wildfires, including over 80 armed forces personnel, battling the flames. Despite their efforts, the fire department reported over 40 flare-ups of the blaze since the early hours of Monday morning, with authorities struggling to contain the spread of the flames.
Residents in the affected areas described the scene as apocalyptic, with thick smoke and ash reducing visibility to almost zero. “The wind would go in one direction and then in the other. The smoke was suffocating. You couldn’t see. Your eyes teared up. You couldn’t breathe. You couldn’t see the house,” said Spyros Gorilas, a resident of the area of Dioni, who hosed down his house with water to save it from the flames.
The situation is further complicated by the strong winds, which are making it difficult for firefighters to access the affected areas. “Even the helicopter that dropped water, you couldn’t see it. You could only hear it. Nothing else,” said Gorilas.
Neighboring Romania has sent firefighters to assist in the efforts to contain the blaze, while Greece’s coastguard has ordered all ferries going to and from the nearby port of Rafina, which serves mainly the Cycladic islands and Crete, to be diverted to the port of Lavrion due to the fire.
Three Athens hospitals are on heightened alert, with the Medical Association of Athens urging residents near affected areas to exercise caution, especially those with chronic conditions, the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and those with respiratory and heart problems.
The wildfire began on Sunday afternoon, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Athens, and quickly spread out of control due to strong winds. The fire department is working tirelessly to contain the blaze, but the situation remains precarious, with authorities warning that the fire could continue to spread and worsen in the coming days.
Other fires are being reported across the country, with firefighters tackling a blaze near the holiday island of Lefkada. The Greek government has declared a state of emergency, and residents are being advised to stay indoors and avoid any areas affected by the fires.
The situation is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change, with June and July of this year being the hottest months ever recorded in Greece, and the country also recording its warmest winter ever. The heatwaves have left the country’s forests and vegetation tinder-dry, making them highly susceptible to wildfires.
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are working to evacuate those in the affected areas and provide support to those who have been displaced. The Greek government has also announced plans to provide financial assistance to those affected by the fires.
In the meantime, residents are being advised to take precautions to protect themselves and their properties from the fires. This includes staying indoors, keeping windows and doors closed, and avoiding any areas affected by the fires.
The situation is a stark reminder of the importance of taking action to mitigate the effects of climate change and to prepare for the devastating impact of wildfires. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, it is essential that we work together to find solutions to this growing crisis.
The wildfire has been raging for over 20 hours, with authorities struggling to contain the inferno. The situation is precarious, with authorities warning that the fire could continue to spread and worsen in the coming days.