Three firefighters have died this week as Greece battles multiple wildfires, with gale-force winds on Sunday driving flames into western Attica and forcing fresh evacuations.
Two firefighters died battling a blaze on Crete earlier this week, and a third was killed in a separate fire in the Peloponnese.
New evacuations in western Attica
Greek authorities ordered three more communities evacuated on Sunday as flames advanced through western Attica, threatening villages along the Geraneia mountains and an industrial district outside the city of Megara. The communities of Kandili, Agia Skepi and Toutouli were told to leave.
Nearly 500 firefighters and 23 aircraft were deployed, but gale-force winds strengthened the fire while crippling the response, preventing some aircraft from descending to the sea to collect water. Smoke rose over the mountains as the blaze continued.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was briefed on the operation, with authorities particularly concerned about Porto Germeno, a seaside community on the Gulf of Corinth. The fire began on Friday near Agios Vasileios before sweeping towards Porto Germeno and into the forested mountains west of Athens.
Flames on holiday islands and mainland
On the island of Kefalonia, flames burned dangerously close to homes, forcing evacuations from inland villages as aircraft made water drops over the Ionian tourist island.
On the mainland, nearly 50 firefighters, a specialist wildfire unit, 16 engines and a helicopter battled another blaze near Nea Tenedos in Halkidiki.
Sea evacuations and damage
Firefighters evacuated 254 people by sea from Agios Vasileios on Friday and another 12 from Porto Germeno on Saturday – an escape route of last resort in coastal communities where fire and smoke can cut the few roads out.
Wildfire meteorologist Theodore Giannaros estimated on Saturday that the blaze had affected 40 to 50 square kilometres (15 to 19 square miles), though authorities had not issued an official figure.
Local farmer Minas Tzortzanis described the destruction on Saturday. "A pristine forest, a paradise, was surrendered to the hands of the fire," he said. "There are no words to explain what has happened. Destruction. Total destruction."
Travel advice for Britons
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has warned there is a high risk of wildfires in Greece during the summer season from April to October, and that the situation can change quickly. It advises travellers to register their mobile phones for emergency alerts and to call 112 in immediate danger.
To avoid starting wildfires, the FCDO says:
- Leave no litter, especially glass, which can start fires.
- Make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished.
- Do not light barbecues.
Causing a wildfire or forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece, even if unintentional. Those in or near affected areas are advised to follow @112Greece for official updates, follow the guidance of emergency services, call 112 if in immediate danger, and contact their airline or travel operator for help with return travel to the UK.
