Devastating Wildfire Sweeps Through Coastal Greece, Destroying Homes and Forcing Evacuations

A large wildfire has wreaked havoc in the coastal towns of Palaia Fokaia and Thymari, southeast of Athens, resulting in the destruction of homes, the evacuation of over 1,000 residents, and intensifying concerns over climate-driven natural disasters in Greece.

A significant wildfire has swept through coastal towns in Greece, devastating Palaia Fokaia and Thymari, located approximately 40 km (25 miles) southeast of Athens. The flames, fueled by a heatwave that sent temperatures soaring to 40°C and strong winds, rapidly engulfed low vegetation and advanced into residential areas, leading to the destruction of at least 20 homes, according to local officials.

As the fire approached the beach, emergency alerts were issued, urging the evacuation of residents from a series of affected towns and villages. Local firefighters, forest rangers, and volunteers joined forces to combat the raging inferno, while the coast guard was deployed along the coastline to assist with evacuations.

The Greek government has responded to the increase in wildfires, attributed to long, hot summers and a changing climate, by bolstering its firefighting resources with an additional 18,000 firefighters supported by volunteers for the remainder of the fire season. Earlier this week, a separate wildfire caused extensive damage on Chios, Greece's fifth-largest island, where authorities arrested a woman on suspicion of starting a fire unintentionally.

Many locals have reported heartbreaking losses, with residents sharing their experiences of returning to find their homes consumed by flames. One resident recounted how the strong winds had hastened the destruction. Meanwhile, as the fire spread towards the coastal road near Cape Sounion, emergency services worked diligently to evacuate more than 1,000 individuals, including eleven tourists rescued from a beach surrounded by flames.

Despite evacuation orders, some residents chose to stay behind, putting their lives at risk by attempting to defend their property with garden hoses. Officials have warned that such actions not only endanger lives but also impede emergency efforts. The firefighting battle on the ground and by air continued fiercely, especially close to residential areas.

As the blaze raged, local municipalities opened their facilities for shelter and medical aid to those affected. The Greek fire service is now investigating the possibility of arson, assessing whether the fire was deliberately ignited. Experts predict that high temperatures and significant wildfire risk will persist in various regions of Greece, including Attica, Evia, the Peloponnese, and the northern Aegean.