Wildfires Devastate Southern Greece, One Casualty Confirmed

An elderly man has died in a wildfire near Keratea, southeast of Athens, as over 50 fires rage across Greece, fueled by high winds. Authorities have evacuated multiple areas and mobilized extensive firefighting resources to combat the intense blazes.

A large wildfire in Keratea, southeast of Athens, has claimed the life of one elderly man and resulted in urgent evacuation notices as the fire quickly expanded, destroying homes and threatening communities. The fire was first reported around 14:00 local time (12:00 BST) in the Manoutso area, initially igniting dry grass and farmland. Over the past 24 hours, Greece has witnessed an alarming increase in wildfires, with more than 50 incidents reported, marking one of the direst days for such emergencies this summer.

Strong winds reaching up to 9 Beaufort significantly increased the fire's intensity and sped its spread. Thick smoke and gusts are complicating efforts for firefighting crews on the ground. Evacuation alerts have been distributed through Greece's 112 emergency service, prompting thousands to flee the danger zones. Authorities have successfully evacuated at least seven areas, including Synterina, Dimolaki, and the settlement of Ari, which has been hit particularly hard as flames overtook residential zones.

Lavreotiki's mayor, Dimitris Loukas, stated that the fire, which has now extended over seven kilometers, is "extremely difficult" to contain. The blaze is rapidly advancing into a nearby pine forest, raising concerns that if it remains unchecked, it will expand further into populated areas, including Anavyssos. A comprehensive response team comprising 190 firefighters, ground crews, and various air support including 11 aircraft and helicopters has been deployed to combat the disaster. Firefighters from the Czech Republic and Romania have also joined local agencies, with military units offering valuable machinery assistance.

In a separate incident later that day, another significant wildfire erupted in Helidoni, located in the Ancient Olympia municipality of western Greece. Fire officials have warned that strong gusts are carrying embers, creating new fire outbreaks. Residents in various locations have been urged to evacuate towards Pyrgos due to the encroaching flames, with emergency services actively deploying resources in affected regions.

As the situation unfolds, emergency crews are battling multiple fires while dealing with the challenges posed by winds that are driving the flames closer to vital infrastructure, including high-voltage power lines. The risk of further wildfires remains alarmingly high across Attica, the Peloponnese, and western Greece, with authorities on high alert for any new outbreaks.