Greek authorities have issued warnings for residents to remain indoors with windows shut as over 400 firefighters work tirelessly to control multiple blazes near the capital. These fires have prompted the evacuation of entire neighborhoods, including the historically significant area of Marathon.
By mid-afternoon on Sunday, thick clouds of smoke darkened the skies of Athens as ten specialized "forest commandos," supported by water-bombing aircraft, helicopters, and fire engines, battled flames stoked by gusty winds reaching speeds of 80-90 km/h.
Volunteers have also joined the firefighting efforts near Varnava, located about 35 km (21 miles) north of the city.
“Firefighting resources are continuously being reinforced, but they are up against flames that often exceed 25 meters in height,” warned fire brigade spokesperson Vassileios Vathrakogiannis.
While one fire in western Attica had been brought under control, another blaze northeast of Athens remained uncontained as night fell, with reports indicating it was spreading eastward, complicating firefighting efforts due to strong winds.
At least ten communities around Varnava have been evacuated, and firefighters are expected to continue their work throughout the night. Some residents are trying to protect their homes by fighting the flames themselves.
Authorities have instructed residents of Marathon, located 40 km east of Athens, to evacuate toward the coastal town of Nea Makri due to a fire that ignited Sunday afternoon.
As a fire rages on, a house burns in Varnava village, north of Athens.
Health officials are advising the public to limit outdoor activities due to the deteriorating air quality caused by smoke, which has significantly affected the Attic basin.
By 4 PM, ash-laden skies over the Greek parliament in Syntagma Square appeared yellowish-brown as winds carried smoke southward.
At least eight individuals have been hospitalized for respiratory issues related to the smoke.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cut his holiday short and returned to Athens on Sunday evening to address the crisis.
Record-high temperatures, with June and July marking the hottest months on record, have turned much of Greece into a tinderbox, according to environmental experts. Forecasts predict a peak temperature of 39°C (102°F) across the country on Monday, especially in the west.
For the first time this summer, Greece experienced a week-long heatwave before mid-June, reflecting the rapid onset of climate change effects. Tragically, reports indicate that at least ten tourists, including well-known British nutritionist and TV presenter Dr. Michael Mosley, have succumbed to heat exhaustion while walking in extreme temperatures earlier this summer. Mosley reportedly died just two hours after beginning a hike from a beach on the remote island of Symi, where temperatures soared above 40°C.
In recent months, Greece has faced numerous wildfires, with the ongoing strong winds showing no signs of relief. Meteorologists caution that the days ahead could be critical, with at least half the country under a “red alert” due to heightened wildfire risks.
Kostas Lagouvardos, research director at the Athens Observatory, explained to the state broadcaster ERT, “The prolonged drought and persistently high temperatures are key factors making the situation so perilous.”
This report includes contributions from Agence France-Presse.
