A wildfire has burned through a northern suburb of the Greek capital of Athens, leading to the evacuation of some residents. The country’s Fire Service reported that residents of the town of Kryoneri, 20km northeast of Athens, received three text messages on Saturday to leave for safe areas.
Fire Service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis told reporters that there have been reports of damage and that the real difficulties are ahead. “We will take stock when the fires have been put out,” he said. Greek media outlets showed houses on fire, and Vathrakoyannis added that Greece has asked for six firefighting planes from the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism.
On site, 145 firefighters and 44 fire engines, 10 firefighting planes, and seven helicopters are attempting to put out the fire, whose origin is unknown. Four ambulances are treating at least five residents, most of them elderly with respiratory problems.
Temperatures reaching, or exceeding, 38 degrees Celsius, dry conditions, and high winds are fanning the flames. Under such conditions, which are expected to persist in the coming days, wildfires “expand very quickly and become dangerous,” Vathrakoyannis said.
The fire service is also dealing with three other major fires in the southwest of Greece’s two largest islands — Crete in the south and Evia north of Athens — as well as on the island of Kythera, northwest of Crete. At least 335 firefighters, 19 planes, and 13 helicopters are involved, but can only operate in daylight.
Wildfires have become a common occurrence in Greece in recent years, with several breaking out in the past month. Heatwaves and dry conditions, which scientists link to climate change, have become more frequent across the world in recent years.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) notes that “with climate change leading to warmer temperatures and drier conditions and the increasing urbanization of rural areas, the fire season is starting earlier and ending later.” Wildfires can disrupt transportation, communications, water supply, and power and gas services, and can have devastating consequences for local communities.
As Greece battles to contain the wildfires, the country’s Fire Service is urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The situation remains dire, and the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined.