Greece Battles Raging Wildfires Amid Record-Breaking Heatwave

Blistering Heat Fuels Fires Across Peloponnese, Attica, and Greek Islands

Greek emergency services are fighting relentless wildfires as a devastating heatwave continues to grip the country, with temperatures soaring past 45°C (113°F) — among the highest ever recorded.

On Sunday morning, fires continued to blaze across multiple regions, including the Peloponnese, the northern Attica area near Athens, and the islands of Evia and Kythera. Firefighting aircraft resumed their efforts at dawn, attempting to contain multiple infernos fanned by high winds.

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Evacuations and Injuries as Fires Near Athens Intensify

One of the most dangerous fire fronts was reported near Drosopigi, just 30km (18.6 miles) north of Athens. Authorities issued an evacuation order for the village after flames engulfed residential areas. According to Ertnews TV, at least one house was already ablaze by early Sunday, with winds ranging from 30-50 km/h (19-31 mph) spreading the fire rapidly.

Approximately 100 firefighters, backed by 36 fire vehicles, two planes, and three helicopters, were deployed to combat the fire near Drosopigi, according to the Athens News Agency.

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Red Alert for Wildfires: Greece on High Emergency

Greek officials issued Category 5 red alerts, the highest wildfire risk level, for several regions due to hot and dry conditions. The country’s meteorological service expects the heatwave that began last Monday to persist until at least Monday night, worsening the wildfire threat.

The National Observatory of Athens recorded a peak temperature of 45.8°C (114.5°F) in Messinia, Peloponnese on Friday and 45.2°C (113.4°F) in Amfilochia, western Greece on Saturday.

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Evia Island Faces Destruction Again

In Evia, which suffered major fire devastation in previous years, flames are once again raging out of control. Two fire trucks were destroyed in the blaze, and two firefighters were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The island’s difficult terrain, coupled with strong gusts, has made aerial firefighting challenging, and residents fear a repeat of the 2021 wildfires that burned thousands of hectares of forestland.

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Climate Crisis Blamed as Fires Grow More Intense and Frequent

Experts warn that climate change is intensifying heatwaves and increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires in Southern Europe. Greece’s latest heatwave comes just weeks after similar extreme conditions triggered deadly fires in Italy and Turkey.

As the region braces for more heat and potential new fire outbreaks, Greek authorities are urging the public to stay alert, follow evacuation orders, and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.