Greece faced 9,500 wildfires in 2023, its hottest and driest year on record, burning nearly 44,500 hectares of land. While the number of fires rose by 7.5% compared to the last 20 years, swift action from authorities reduced the affected area by 14%. Minister Vassilis Kikilias highlighted the growing challenge of fires occurring outside the traditional fire season, with climate change driving more extreme weather patterns in the country.
Tag: forest fires
A 55-year-old firefighter tragically lost his life on Sunday while fighting a wildfire near Thessaloniki, Greece. The blaze, which did not threaten residential areas, was one of many ongoing wildfires this year. This marks the sixth firefighter fatality in Greece in 2024, a year that has seen unprecedented challenges for firefighters, with more than 4,500 wildfires and over 14,300 acres of forestland burned.
In a parliamentary session focused on wildfires, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of the emergency number 112 in saving lives. He reported that this year has been the most challenging in the last 40 years, with 9,101 fires recorded compared to 7,163 last year. While 1,754,000 acres burned last year, this year saw 440,000 acres affected. Mitsotakis emphasised that the Mediterranean is at the heart of the climate crisis, facing increasing challenges that require ongoing attention and response.
The wildfire in Corinth continues to rage, with the situation described as "extremely difficult" and firefighting forces now battling the blaze primarily on the ground. The EU has activated its mechanism to provide assistance, including sending firefighting aircraft and launching emergency satellite mapping. The fire has caused significant damage, including the loss of two lives and widespread destruction of forests, crops, and infrastructure.
Greece saw a 24% reduction in burnt land during 2024, despite facing its toughest fire season in 40 years. Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias credited the success to coordinated firefighting efforts, rapid response strategies, and advanced technology, including drones and aerial patrols. The government’s €2.1 billion investment in civil protection also played a crucial role in mitigating fire damage.
Greece is battling severe forest fires intensified by extreme weather. Dr. Kostas Lagouvardos from the National Observatory of Athens notes that rapid warming and marine heatwaves are fueling the blazes. The fires, driven by high temperatures and dry winds, have led to evacuations and increased wildfire response efforts.
Greece faces extreme fire danger in several regions, including Attica and parts of Central Greece and the Peloponnese, due to strong winds and dry conditions. The government has issued a Class Five fire warning, urging citizens to exercise caution and avoid activities that could spark fires, as authorities prepare for a challenging week ahead.
Greece has battled 52 wildfires in the past day, swiftly containing most but struggling with six ongoing blazes. Authorities suspect arson in one fire and have arrested a suspect. Firefighters faced tough conditions in Thermi, where one firefighter was hospitalized, and on Kea Island, where strong winds fanned the flames.
The Copernicus Emergency Management Service has been activated to assess the damage caused by recent forest fires in Attica.
Two wildfires near Greece's capital caused significant destruction on Sunday amid persistent strong winds, escalating…
Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias issued a stern warning on Friday, urging…
Greece faces an extreme fire risk with Attica on red alert for the first time in June, expecting 40°C temperatures and gale-force winds. Climate Crisis Minister Vassilis Kikilias urges vigilance as state mechanisms stay on high alert. Other regions, including Peloponnese and Evia, are also at high risk, prompting coordinated emergency efforts and preventative traffic shutdowns.
Cyprus has recorded a second death from heatstroke during a severe heatwave exceeding 40°C. The extreme weather has hampered firefighting efforts, leading to significant forest damage and evacuations in threatened communities.
Greece is among six European Union nations set to receive new firefighting aircraft as part…
Two specific wildfires are still burning just outside Athens as of today. Both fires have…
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was interviewed yesterday by CNN's Fareed Zakaria over the unprecedented…
A total of 43 forest fires broke out across the country in the last 24…
Greece has been hit by 58 forest fires over a 24 period since Sunday according…
The Municipality of Thessaloniki is planning to equip every apartment and business with an emergency…