Wildfire Forces Evacuations on Evia Island, Greece

ATHENS, Greece — Authorities have initiated multiple evacuations on the island of Evia due to a rapidly spreading wildfire, exacerbated by deteriorating conditions after dark. The Greek Fire Service reported that evacuations were necessary in four mountainous regions in the southern part of the island, situated approximately 90 kilometers (55 miles) northeast of Athens. Hundreds of firefighters and volunteers have been mobilized to combat the blaze, which follows a history of devastating wildfires on the island, including significant incidents in 2021 and last summer. The current wildfire is a result of successive heat waves that have affected southern Europe in recent weeks, raising concerns about the ongoing fire season. Fire Service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “We are in the heart of the fire season and the conditions according to the experts will become more difficult over the next few weeks.” Before nightfall, firefighting efforts included the deployment of 16 planes and 10 helicopters, which were actively working to contain the fire. However, as night fell, aerial operations were halted, complicating the firefighting efforts. The situation remains critical as authorities continue to monitor the fire's progression and assess the safety of residents in the affected areas. The community is urged to remain vigilant as the fire season intensifies, with officials stressing the importance of preparedness in the face of potential future wildfires.