One person has lost their life as intense wildfires ravage the suburbs of Athens, Greece, on Monday. Authorities confirmed that a woman’s body was discovered inside a shop in Vrilissia, a northern district of Athens.
In response to the escalating fires, thousands of residents have been evacuated as officials warned that homes, businesses, and schools are in jeopardy, with fires expected to persist into Tuesday. Fire service spokesman Colonel Vassilios Vathrakogiannis reported that while there are no longer any major active fire fronts in the northeastern Attica region, localized blazes continue to pose threats, particularly around the towns of Marathon and Penteli.
Colonel Vathrakogiannis further indicated that conditions conducive to new fires remain hazardous, forecasting continued risks throughout the week. This summer has already marked Greece’s hottest June and July on record, contributing to the fire danger. More than 700 firefighters, along with 199 fire engines and 35 waterbombing aircraft, are engaged in battling the flames, which erupted on Sunday afternoon approximately 35 kilometers north of Athens.
As night fell on Monday, aerial operations were temporarily halted, but ground teams persisted in their firefighting efforts. Satellite imagery from Greece’s National Observatory revealed that the wildfires have devastated around 100,000 acres by noon local time.
In Penteli, the fires forced the evacuation of three hospitals, with significant concern for the National Observatory, which was also at risk. A timber factory was consumed by the blaze, and explosions from fuel tanks and gas cylinders were reported in various locations.
The Greek government has activated the EU’s mutual civil protection mechanism, prompting neighboring European nations to offer assistance. Italy has committed to provide two aircraft, while France and Serbia are contributing one helicopter each. Additional support is being sent by Spain, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Turkey, with the latter preparing to dispatch two aircraft and a helicopter.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed the EU’s solidarity with Greece as it confronts these catastrophic fires.
On Monday, fires ignited in 40 different locations, with some flames reaching heights of 25 meters. Unprecedented conditions in Athens have led residents to don face masks to shield themselves from the pervasive smoke engulfing the city. Experts indicate that climate change heightens the risk of dry, hot weather, which exacerbates wildfires. With global temperatures already rising by approximately 1.1°C since the industrial era, future increases are anticipated unless substantial emission reductions are made by governments worldwide.
