A devastating wildfire has been raging across Greece, claiming at least one life and destroying homes and farmland. The worst blaze broke out in the small town of Keratea, southwest of Athens, where firefighters discovered the body of a man in a burned-out structure on Friday. The fire brigade spokesperson said early on Saturday that the fire was under control but not out, with evacuations of at-risk areas continuing due to strong winds expected to last through the weekend.
The fire has been fueled by ferocious winds, with gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour) fanning the flames and setting olive orchards alight. Homes were engulfed as locals wearing face masks assisted firefighters. Police went door to door late at night, ensuring that homes had been evacuated. Dozens of people were evacuated late Friday from homes and an elderly care center as the flames neared the nearby coastal resort of Palea Fokaea.
More than 200 firefighters, backed by 11 water bombers and seven helicopters, were deployed to battle the Keratea blaze. Costas Tsigkas, head of the association of Greek firefighter officers, described the fire as “difficult,” citing the strong winds and the need for evacuations. “It’s a difficult fire,” he said, adding that several communities had been evacuated.
The national weather service EMY forecast winds of up to 74 kilometers per hour (46 miles per hour) for Saturday, prompting the civil protection ministry to place several areas under the highest alert for wildfires, including the Attica region, which includes Athens. The weather on Friday disrupted ferry travel for tens of thousands of people, with a sailing ban on Athens ports lifted on Saturday.
In addition to the Keratea blaze, other fires in the region of Ancient Olympia and on the island of Kefalonia appeared to have abated. However, the strong winds on Friday also caused the deaths of two Vietnamese tourists who fell into the sea at Sarakiniko beach on the Cycladic island of Milos. The 61-year-old woman and 65-year-old man were on a cruise ship group visiting the beach when the incident occurred.
The Greek coastguard reported that most ferries were unable to depart on schedule from Piraeus and other Athens ports due to the strong winds, which also whipped up large waves. As the situation remains critical, firefighters and authorities continue to work tirelessly to contain the blazes and ensure public safety.