Greek firefighters are racing to strengthen containment lines around major wildfires west of Athens after a brief drop in wind speeds gave crews a crucial opportunity to tackle remaining hotspots.
Several fires that swept through mountain villages and coastal areas near the capital were brought under control overnight, allowing firefighting aircraft and helicopters to continue water drops throughout Tuesday morning. However, authorities warned that the danger remains high as stronger winds and rising temperatures are expected in the coming days.
“There is a huge fire load in the area and the risk increases as the day progresses,” said Costas Tsingas, president of the Greek Firefighters Association. “The goal is for the day to end better than it started.”
More than 1,000 evacuated as investigations continue
The wildfire outbreak, which has burned for five days in areas west of Athens, forced the evacuation of more than 1,000 residents and visitors. Authorities have linked one of the fires to a damaged power line connected to a wind farm.
Greek authorities have intensified efforts to prevent fires caused by human activity, with 33 people arrested between June 29 and August 2. Of those, 30 were detained over fires allegedly caused by negligence, while three were arrested on suspicion of arson.
Many of the negligence cases involved agricultural or construction-related activities carried out despite local fire restrictions, including welding during periods of extreme fire risk.
Army deployed as firefighters battle hotspots
Fire crews worked under intense pressure on Tuesday as Mediterranean coastal winds were expected to strengthen during the afternoon. These seasonal winds often increase during summer as land heats faster than the sea, creating stronger coastal breezes.
The Greek military deployed tracked machinery to create firebreaks across scorched hillsides, while specialist firefighting teams entered forested areas on foot to extinguish smouldering embers and prevent flare-ups.
Evacuations were ordered around the seaside resort of Porto Germeno and nearby communities, with more than 250 people rescued from beaches by boats as flames approached coastal areas.
Europe faces another devastating wildfire season
Across Europe, extreme heat and dry conditions have fuelled a growing wildfire crisis.
In France, a massive blaze near Bordeaux has burned through approximately 420 square kilometres of land, destroying 183 homes and forcing more than 224,000 people to evacuate — the country’s largest civilian evacuation outside wartime.
The fire also uncovered hundreds of suspected World War II-era explosives buried underground. Demining teams discovered more than 400 shells and other munitions in the worst-hit area of Le Porge, where residents reported hearing explosions believed to have been caused by the old ammunition.
Although the French fire has been contained, thousands of residents were only recently allowed to return home.
Meanwhile, firefighters in the southern Netherlands battled a forest fire for a second consecutive day as high temperatures and shifting winds complicated efforts. The blaze has destroyed around 100 hectares of woodland, although no homes were immediately threatened and no injuries were reported.
With extreme heat continuing across southern Europe, authorities warn that the combination of dry vegetation, high temperatures and unpredictable winds will keep wildfire risks elevated throughout the summer.