Wildfires Rage Near Athens: Emergency Evacuations and Firefighting Efforts Intensify

Two large wildfires are burning near Athens, Greece, prompting emergency evacuations and advisories. The fires have destroyed homes, vehicles, and forest areas. Over 230 firefighters and multiple aircraft are battling the blazes. Hot, dry, and windy conditions exacerbate the situation, with temperatures expected to rise.

Two significant wildfires are burning near Athens, Greece, as authorities issue emergency evacuation orders and advisories to residents. The initial blaze, starting southeast of Athens, has already destroyed at least four homes and several cars as it approaches the port of Lavrio, which lies 60 kilometers from the capital. Recent years have seen the area plagued by similar events, putting a small forest near Cape Sounio at risk.

Another fast-moving fire erupted north of Athens near the Stamata suburb, burning through scrubland and forest, and advancing up Mount Penteli. The Fire Service has mobilized a substantial force of 230 firefighters, 17 planes, and 12 helicopters for the firefighting efforts, although aerial operations are limited to daylight hours.

The wildfires are spreading rapidly due to hot, dry conditions, and strong winds. With temperatures in the low 30s Celsius (high 80s F) expected to soar even higher in the coming days, the Mediterranean region is once again facing the annual threat of wildfires, similar to the recent large fires in Greece and Turkiye earlier this month.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)