Widespread Wildfires Threaten Southern Europe Including Naples, Athens, Mount Vesuvius

Severe wildfires have devastated areas around Athens, Greece, and Naples, Italy, amid a persistent heatwave and strong winds. In Greece, an elderly man died near Keratea as over 260 firefighters, nearly 80 fire engines, 11 water bombers, and seven helicopters battled fires that destroyed homes, agricultural land, and forests, forcing evacuations including from a care home. Near Naples, a forest fire at the foot of Mount Vesuvius has threatened the region's natural heritage, with over a hundred ground personnel and eight aircraft deployed; flames have reached heights of 1,050 meters. Authorities in Italy have reported more than a thousand fires in Campania since mid-June, burning over 2,500 hectares, and a permanent emergency coordination group has been established. The combination of high temperatures and gale-force winds has also caused fatalities and disrupted travel across the region. Efforts to contain these fires continue as officials emphasize the importance of protecting both residents and the environment.