Greece’s new “Active Battle” bill legalizes controlled burns and grazing to prevent devastating summer wildfires, with implementation targeted for the 2026 anti-fire season under Minister Yannis Kefalogiannis.
Tag: Greece wildfires
McDermott Aviation’s heavy-lift helicopters land back in Australia after fighting Greek wildfires, gearing up for bushfire season amid dry forecasts. Four aircraft stay for SAR ops.
Firefighters have made progress in containing a wildfire that broke out Tuesday afternoon in agricultural…
Authorities have issued a very high fire risk warning for Wednesday, with Attica, Central Greece, Crete, and parts of the North and South Aegean under heightened wildfire threat. Citizens are urged to avoid activities that could spark fires.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his wife Mareva Grabowski are frequent targets of fake news and disinformation in Greece, with officials warning it poses a serious threat to democracy.
The City of Patras has converted halls at the Pampeleponnesian Stadium into emergency shelters for…
Wildfires are tearing through Achaia, Chios, Preveza, and Zakynthos, forcing mass evacuations as strong winds and Europe’s heatwave drive destruction. Over 150 new fires in 48 hours prompt Greece to request EU aid.
Thousands of residents and tourists have been forced to flee as wildfires rage near Patras and on the islands of Chios and Zakynthos. Greece has deployed nearly 5,000 firefighters and 33 aircraft to battle the flames amid scorching heat and strong winds.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is returning to Athens in response to the ongoing state…
The wildfire that broke out early this morning in Megara has been brought under control,…
A new wildfire broke out early Wednesday in the Koumidri area of Megara, Attica. Forty firefighters and sixteen vehicles are currently battling the blaze with support from local water companies.
Greece is facing a worsening wildfire crisis, with 152 new blazes erupting in the past…
Dozens of wildfires broke out across Greece on Tuesday, just days after a deadly weekend blaze. Prolonged drought, high winds and soaring temperatures have pushed fire risk to Level 4, with evacuations ordered in several regions.
Wildfires are raging across Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Etoloakarnania, and Fokida, forcing mass evacuations and mobilizing hundreds of firefighters, aircraft, and helicopters as strong winds drive flames toward homes and villages.
A total of 40 agricultural and forest fires broke out across Greece over the past…
A wildfire erupted in the Assiros area of Thessaloniki early Tuesday afternoon, prompting Greece’s Emergency…
A massive wildfire has devastated Kythira, Greece, burning nearly half the island and forcing widespread evacuations. Fueled by strong winds, the blaze has threatened settlements and the Moni Myrtidiotissa Monastery, prompting urgent alerts via 112 for residents to flee. Firefighters, volunteers, and aerial units battle the uncontrolled fire amid extreme fire danger across the region.
Tearful commemorations marked the seventh anniversary of Greece’s deadliest wildfire in Mati, where 104 people…
Greek authorities have detained two men accused of sparking a catastrophic wildfire through negligent welding…
A Category 4 “Very High Risk” wildfire alert has been issued for Attica and Evia on Saturday, July 5,…
A massive wildfire rages in Chios, Greece, forcing evacuations and prompting an arson investigation. Over 100 firefighters battle the blaze as authorities warn of climate-driven fires
The European Union is stepping up its wildfire preparedness in Greece for the 2025 fire season, deploying 323 firefighters from 14 countries to support local efforts. As part of a broader EU strategy that includes aerial assets and technical expertise, Greece will receive the largest share of prepositioned forces, reinforcing its critical role in Europe’s joint response to the growing threat of wildfires driven by climate change.
Two individuals were arrested in the act of arson (flagrante delicto) by investigative officers from…
McDermott Aviation has deployed six B214 ST helicopters from Australia to Greece, joining nine others to combat the 2025 fire season. With a team of 200, the fleet will tackle wildfires and potential rescues until October, reinforcing Greece’s aerial firefighting efforts.
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.
A massive fire erupted near Platanias on the west coast of Crete on Wednesday, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of tourists from two large hotels. The blaze, which started in a reed bed and spread quickly due to strong winds, forced authorities to evacuate the western part of the town. Despite the efforts of over 90 firefighters and three tanker helicopters, the fire was only contained to a stable perimeter by late afternoon and remained uncontrolled. The current heat waves and dried vegetation have exacerbated the situation, with another fire reported in northern Greece. This follows a recent devastating fire in Athens that destroyed over 10,000 hectares and caused significant damage.
A wildfire in Evia’s Petries village, fueled by strong northern winds, prompted an emergency response from local authorities. Minister Vassilis Kikilias visited the scene as 120 firefighters, 36 vehicles, and 24 aircraft battled the blaze. Residents in the Koskina area received multiple evacuation alerts, while road closures and coordinated efforts from the Coast Guard and Hellenic Police ensured public safety.
Raging wildfires, fueled by strong winds, have been tearing across the Greek island of Kos since Sunday, escalating dramatically on Monday… Tourists and residents are being evacuated, with public buildings serving as shelters. The Kardamena region is particularly hard hit.
Greek authorities have issued new evacuation orders as wildfires intensify on the island of Evia and in Nafpaktos in central Greece.
The ambassadors of 22 countries that helped Greece manage the summer 2023 wildfires were thanked…
