Easing of Greece's wildfire flames - Calmness amidst Wildfires in Greece
As of August 23, 2025, the wildfire crisis in Greece, which began in early August and affected regions including Patras (Achaia), Chios, Zakynthos, and Athens (Attica), has shown some signs of easing but remains serious.
Firefighters have been battling more than 100 active blazes, with a few areas like Patras, Chios, Zakynthos, and the Attica region still affected.
In Patras, the situation has improved since the peak in mid-August, according to Kostas Tsingas, chairman of the firefighters' association. Tsingas stated that the decreasing winds have made this day run significantly more favorably than the previous ones. However, forces remain on site as embers in Patras can quickly become fires again.
The fires near Patras have been intensively fought, and while the immediate threat has reduced, vigilance remains high due to ongoing weather risks.
On the islands of Chios and Zakynthos, evacuations took place early in August due to advancing fires. Firefighting efforts have reduced immediate threats, but these islands continue to be monitored because conditions remain prone to reignition given drought and wind. There is still great concern on the island of Chios.
In the southern Attica region, including areas near Athens, multiple fires have occurred since early August. Though some control has been achieved, high fire risk persists due to ongoing drought and heat, with authorities maintaining readiness for new outbreaks. No specific information about the situation in Athens is provided in this paragraph.
Greece is still experiencing high fire risk (Level 4 out of 5) due to extreme heat, prolonged drought, and gusty winds, which complicate fire control. Mass evacuations earlier in the month have reduced immediate dangers in some areas, but many parts remain vulnerable. Firefighters, supported by police and volunteers, continue their work to prevent flares.
Air support for firefighting began on Thursday morning, providing additional resources to combat the blazes.
In summary, there is some light relief from the worst of the wildfires in Patras, Chios, Zakynthos, and Athens, but the threat is not fully over. Authorities remain on high alert due to adverse weather and ongoing drought conditions that fuel fire risk.
- Despite the improving situation in Patras, the community policy requires continued vigilance due to ongoing climate-change-induced weather risks, such as high temperatures, drought, and winds, which can quickly rekindle embers.
- In light of the persistent high fire risk across Greece, authorities are employing stringent employment policies to ensure police, volunteers, and firefighters provide the necessary resources to prevent new outbreaks, as scientific studies suggest that environmental-science factors like drought and heat contribute significantly to wildfire spread.
