Evacuations ordered as wildfire rages south of Athens

In Greece, a serious wildfire has erupted south of Athens, particularly affecting the Palaia Fokaia seaside region. As of Thursday, June 26, 2025, authorities have issued urgent evacuation orders for five communities in the vicinity due to the fire's proximity and the extreme heat conditions, reaching nearly 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). A response team comprising130 firefighters and a fleet of water-dropping planes and helicopters have been mobilized to combat the flames, which have been intensified by strong winds, resulting in visibility issues and rapid fire spread. The blaze reportedly originated within a populated area, resulting in alarming homes being engulfed in flames, with reports indicating property damage, although the extent remains unclear at this early stage. Television footage depicted significant smoke dispersal across the sky, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Local officials, including town councilor Apostolos Papadakis, have reiterated the importance of evacuating affected residences for public safety. Additionally, as a precaution, the coast guard has stationed patrol boats and private vessels in the affected areas to facilitate potential sea evacuations if necessary. This situation has heightened concerns across the entire Athens region, which is currently rated at Level 4 on a 5-point scale for wildfire risk due to the prevailing weather. The heat wave, expected to persist until the weekend, has compounded the danger as outdoor humidity and conditions remain incredibly favorable for fire ignition and spread. Earlier in the week, another significant fire on the island of Chios required extensive firefighting resources, illustrating the ongoing wildfire challenges Greece faces during the summer months. The country has a history of destructive wildfires, and the recent uptick in incidents can be attributed to both weather conditions and human actions, as one woman was arrested earlier this week for allegedly starting a fire by discarding a cigarette. In summary, the current wildfire situation evokes urgent public safety concerns and highlights Greece's vulnerability to climate-related disasters, urging community awareness and rapid response in the aftermath of ongoing heatwaves and extreme weather events. Long-term strategies for addressing such crises could be essential in mitigating the impact of wildfires in populated areas during the height of summer activities.