An Olympic stadium in Greece has been turned into an emergency shelter for more than 110 dogs rescued from the wildfires ravaging the Attica region near Athens.
Stadium transformed into refuge
The Megara Olympians Municipal Stadium, originally built for sporting events, now provides sanctuary for the animals. Volunteers have converted the running track into a makeshift refuge, where the dogs are being fed, watered, and cared for after their rescue.
Vets examine every dog upon arrival to check for injuries and signs of illness. While many of the rescued animals are strays, others were found wearing collars, raising hopes they may be reunited with their owners.
Wildfires continue to rage
The wildfires, driven by dry conditions and winds gusting up to 78mph, have continued across Attica. Hundreds of firefighters remain on the front line, battling blazes that have reduced homes in the villages of Porto Germeno and Psatha to rubble.
Animal welfare organizations have warned that Greece's wildlife is also suffering, with habitats for species like wild horses and deer being destroyed. Recent figures show Attica has lost 42% of its forests to wildfires over the past decade.
Government response
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said burnt forests can recover naturally, especially those of Aleppo pine. "I would like to reiterate once again that when a forest burns, this does not mean that the forest is lost forever," he said. "Forests that burn, especially those consisting of Aleppo pine, undergo a process of natural regeneration, which must of course be supported and protected. This is happening to a large extent in Attica."
He added: "Clearly, we are dealing with major environmental damage, and we will do everything within our power to support nature as it proceeds, at its own pace, through the process of natural regeneration."
Arrests and firefighting efforts
Officials confirmed that 33 individuals were detained across Greece between June 29 and August 2 on suspicion of starting fires. Of these, 30 were charged with negligence, while three faced deliberate arson accusations. Many negligence cases were linked to agricultural activities, including welding, despite local bans.
Aerial firefighting units and helicopters have conducted water drops on the most affected areas when weather allowed. Costas Tsingas, head of the Greek Firefighters Association, said: "The goal is for the day to end better than it started. There is a huge fire load in the area and the risk goes up as the day progresses."
