WILDFIRES FORCE THOUSANDS TO FLEE IN GREECE AMID RECORD HEATWAVE
A series of raging wildfires have forced thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate across Greece as the country grapples with one of the most severe heatwaves in its history. Blistering temperatures, strong winds, and parched landscapes have combined to create a catastrophic fire season, with blazes breaking out in several regions, including Attica, the island of Rhodes, and parts of the Peloponnese.
Authorities reported that more than 15 wildfires erupted within a 48-hour span, stretching the nation’s firefighting resources to the brink. The most dangerous fire is currently burning near Athens, where flames swept through residential neighborhoods on the city’s outskirts, destroying homes, vehicles, and farmland. Residents in multiple suburbs were ordered to evacuate as smoke blanketed the sky and ash rained down across the capital.
Firefighters, assisted by helicopters and water-bombing planes, are working around the clock to contain the fires. More than 600 personnel have been deployed nationwide, supported by reinforcements from Italy, France, and other EU countries under the bloc’s civil protection mechanism. Despite their efforts, dry conditions and gusty winds have made containment extremely difficult.
The Greek government has declared a state of emergency in several regions and activated additional emergency services. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the affected areas and urged citizens to remain vigilant. “We are facing an unprecedented climate threat. Protecting lives is our top priority,” he stated during a press briefing.
Hospitals have been placed on high alert to deal with potential cases of heatstroke and smoke inhalation, while several shelters have been opened for those displaced. Schools and public services in affected areas have been temporarily closed. Greek police and army units have also been deployed to assist with evacuation and logistical efforts.
The island of Rhodes, a major tourist destination, has been particularly hard hit. Thousands of tourists were evacuated from resorts and beaches as fires closed in on popular coastal zones. Emergency flights were arranged to return tourists to their home countries, echoing scenes from last summer, when wildfires ravaged the island for days. Travel operators have once again suspended trips to the island as a precaution.
Meteorological services say the current heatwave is the most intense since records began, with temperatures soaring above 45°C (113°F) in some areas. Scientists and climate experts link the extreme heat and frequency of wildfires to the growing impact of climate change. “These are no longer anomalies,” warned Dr. Eleni Papadopoulos, a climatologist at the University of Athens. “Greece and the entire Mediterranean region are now on the frontlines of the climate crisis.”
Environmental groups have urged the Greek government to prioritize long-term climate resilience, including better forest management, investment in early warning systems, and robust climate mitigation policies.
As the fires continue to burn, the mood across Greece is one of fear, fatigue, and frustration. For many, these annual infernos are no longer a seasonal threat but a permanent fixture of life in a warming world. With temperatures expected to remain dangerously high in the coming days, authorities are bracing for further flare-ups — and hoping the worst is not yet to come.