Greece Battled 9,500 Forest Fires in Hottest Year on Record, Minister Says

Greece experienced 9,500 forest fires in 2024, including one near Athens, burning nearly 44,500 hectares of land during the country’s hottest and driest year on record, Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias announced on Tuesday.

Wildfires, a recurring threat in the eastern Mediterranean nation, have grown more frequent and intense due to hotter, drier, and windier conditions linked to climate change, scientists warn.

This year’s wildfire count was 7.5% higher than the average over the past two decades. However, the damage was reduced by 14% compared to previous years, attributed to swift and effective responses from Greek authorities, Kikilias said during an event reviewing the fire season.

“Approximately one-third of these fires occurred outside the official fire season, which runs from May to October,” Kikilias noted. He emphasised that extended fire seasons could become a persistent challenge in the coming years.

Greece, situated on the climate change front line, has grappled with increasingly destructive weather events, including wildfires and floods. These disasters, exacerbated by global warming driven by fossil fuel use, have strained the country’s resources and recovery efforts.

In 2023, a massive wildfire in northeastern Greece burned for 11 consecutive days, destroying over 174,000 hectares—an area larger than New York City. Thousands of fires across the country have left lasting scars, underscoring the urgent need for climate resilience.

As Greece continues to battle climate-related crises, the government’s ability to respond swiftly and adapt to these challenges remains critical for protecting its environment and communities.

(Source: Reuters)