Evacuations ordered as major fire spreads near Corinth in Greece

On July 22, 2025, a significant forest fire erupted in the mountainous region near the city of Corinth, located west of Athens, Greece. The blaze spread rapidly, exacerbated by a heatwave that pushed temperatures to approximately 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) across much of the country. Authorities acted promptly, ordering the evacuation of several villages in proximity to the flames, including Agia Kyriaki, Etos Steko, and Imeros Pefkos. Emergency alerts were issued, urging residents to flee their homes as the fire advanced. More than 180 firefighters, supported by a robust fleet comprising 15 planes and 12 helicopters, are engaged in combating the wildfire. The mission faced considerable challenges, given the intense heat and gusty winds that fueled the blaze. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or injuries to the residents as emergency services worked tirelessly throughout the night. However, earlier on Tuesday, a firefighting helicopter crashed into the sea while attempting to collect water for a different fire nearing Athens, resulting in the rescue of three crew members who were subsequently hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Wildfires are a recurring issue in Greece, particularly during the hot and arid summer months, as the combination of oppressive heat, strong winds, and ongoing climate change contributes to an environment where fire risks are heightened. So far in 2025, the fire department has responded to numerous wildfires throughout the country, and officials consistently express concern over the increasing frequency and intensity of such incidents, largely attributed to extreme weather patterns and extended periods of drought. Greece has a tragic history with forest fires; notably, in 2018, a catastrophic fire in the seaside town of Mati, east of Athens, claimed over 100 lives as residents became trapped in their homes and on roadways while trying to escape the flames. This historical context underscores the critical nature of the current situation, prompting authorities to remain vigilant and proactive in their disaster response efforts. With additional reports of fires on the island of Crete and its surrounding areas in recent weeks, the situation is alarming, leading to further evacuations and heightened alerts in local hospitals due to smoke-related health issues among elderly residents.