Greece is struggling to contain numerous wildfires as an intense heatwave pushes temperatures beyond 42°C, creating dangerous conditions across the country. While firefighters have managed to bring several blazes under control, high winds and parched terrain continue to ignite new fronts and complicate efforts to secure already-burned areas.
Authorities reported active fire lines on Sunday evening in the Peloponnese region west of Athens, as well as on the islands of Evia, Kythira, and Crete. In Kythira, officials estimate that roughly 20% of the island’s land area has already been affected.
Villages have been evacuated, and helicopters and water-bombing aircraft remain deployed as flare-ups persist through the night. On Evia, a rapidly spreading blaze near Pissona left multiple villages without power.
Six firefighters were hospitalized for burns and smoke inhalation while attempting to stop the fire’s advance.
In Crete’s Chania region, emergency crews are working to contain a 20km fire front that has already destroyed forestland, beehives, and agricultural areas.
In Messinia, homes and farmland suffered extensive damage after a blaze intensified in Trifylia. Over 100 firefighters are currently deployed in that area alone. Near Athens, a fire that began in Afidnes spread quickly through surrounding communities, forcing residents to flee.
Although officials report that the main fire front has been contained, scattered hotspots continue to burn.
Greece has formally requested assistance from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for additional firefighting aircraft.
“We have injured firefighters, human lives were put at risk, properties have been burned, and forest areas have been destroyed,” said Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis.
Meanwhile, neighboring Turkey is experiencing its own crisis as record-breaking temperatures intensify wildfire risks.
Meteorologists recorded 50.5°C in the southeastern city of Silopi, Turkey’s highest temperature on record.
Several provinces remain under emergency response as fires continue to spread. Ten people died last week while fighting flames in Eskisehir, and crews in Karabuk have been battling a separate blaze for four consecutive days.
Water restrictions have been imposed in multiple regions, including the tourist resort town of Cesme.