Large Wildfire Near Athens Triggers Multi-Community Evacuations

A large wildfire near the coastal town of Palaia Fokaia, south of Athens, has prompted evacuation orders for multiple nearby seaside communities as flames, fueled by high winds and a heatwave, threaten homes and property. Approximately 90 firefighters, supported by eight aircraft, five helicopters, and numerous vehicles, are actively combating the blaze amid soaring temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius. The Greek coast guard has prepared vessels for potential sea evacuations, underscoring the fire's severity and proximity to populated areas. Greece is experiencing its first summer heatwave and remains on high alert, with the wider Athens region and several Aegean islands at Level 4 wildfire risk on a 5-level scale. This wildfire follows a recent major fire on the island of Chios, highlighting Greece's recurring struggle with increasingly frequent and intense wildfires exacerbated by climate change and rising summer temperatures. The country has invested heavily in firefighting resources and increased personnel to 18,000 this year to address these challenges.