Wildfires Rage Across Greece Amidst Record-Breaking Heatwave

Greece is battling five major wildfires across the country as a severe heatwave grips the region, with extreme temperatures expected to persist into Sunday — forecast to reach up to 44°C (111.2°F).

Firefighters are concentrating efforts on two of the worst fires on the islands of Kythira and Evia.

Fire brigade spokesman Vasilios Vathrakoyannis said the situation improved after an “all-night battle,” but warned that Sunday remains extremely dangerous for new fires due to high temperatures and strong winds.

Where are the major fires?
Kythira Island: A blaze that broke out Saturday morning in the village of Pitsinades spread rapidly. Authorities estimate that around 20% of the island has already been affected.
New evacuation alerts were issued Sunday for several villages. Firefighters, helicopters, and water-bombing aircraft are still fighting flare-ups.

Evia Island: A fire near Pissona was declared “out of control” on Saturday. Six firefighters have been hospitalized with burns and smoke inhalation, and several villages lost power. While there were signs of improvement by Sunday, flare-up risks remain due to strong winds.

Messinia (Mainland): A third wildfire broke out Saturday in Polithea, Trifylia. It intensified later in the day, causing significant damage to homes and farmland. On Sunday, 100 firefighters were deployed to control the blaze.

Attica Region (near Athens): A fire that started in Afidnes on Saturday rapidly spread through Drosopigi, Kryoneri, and Agios Stefanos, forcing mass evacuations. Though the main front has been contained, scattered hotspots are still burning.The smell of smoke reached central Athens.

Crete (Chania region): Firefighters are fighting a 20 km-long front, which has destroyed forests, beehives, crops, and livestock. Strong southwesterly winds are hindering efforts, and some villages remain without power.

National & EU Response
Greece has formally requested aid from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, asking for six firefighting aircraft.

Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis stated:

“We have injured firefighters, lives at risk, properties burned, and forests destroyed.”

Wider Regional Impact
Turkey recorded its highest-ever temperature: 50.5°C (122.9°F) in Silopi, breaking the previous record of 49.5°C.

Wildfires also rage across Turkey:
Karabuk province: Firefighters have battled blazes for four straight days.

Eskisehir: Ten people died fighting fires earlier this week.

Water restrictions are now in place in Cesme, a resort area on Turkey’s west coast.

In June, wildfires on Chios island destroyed 4,700 hectares of land.

Earlier in July, fires on Crete forced 5,000 tourists to evacuate. The region remains under a red alert as authorities brace for further challenges in the days ahead.