Fires in Greece Claim Three Lives as Severe Winds Disrupt Ferry Services
In the heart of Greece, a wildfire in Keratea, southeast of Athens, continues to pose a significant challenge for firefighters and local authorities. The blaze, fueled by prolonged drought conditions and gusty winds, has burned approximately 1,580 hectares of land as of August 2025.
The fire, rated with a high risk level of 4 out of 5 in the region, has led to the evacuation of several communities near Keratea to ensure the safety of residents. Over 200 firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blaze, supported by 11 water bombers and seven helicopters.
The situation has caused chaos at Piraeus, the main port of Athens, where stranded travellers form long queues outside ticket offices, waiting for news on possible ferry departures to the Cyclades or Dodecanese islands. Philip Elias, an American tourist, described the scene as "huge lines, huge commotion, everyone's waiting in the sun and it's a very tough time."
Several ferry services have been cancelled or postponed due to strong winds, with hundreds of travellers waiting outside a ferry bound for Paros and Naxos, hoping for news on a possible departure. The coastguard reported the death of a Vietnamese man and woman at the Sarakiniko beach on the tourist island of Milos, adding to the concerns.
The wildfire's proximity to Athens and popular tourist areas in Attica raises safety concerns and disruptions. Thick smoke and reduced visibility have affected the region, potentially leading to reduced tourist visits and cancellations during the affected period. The extensive damage to natural areas also harms the appeal of the region for outdoor activities and ecological tourism.
This wildfire in Keratea is part of a wider pattern of extreme fire events in Greece this summer, driven by drought and weather conditions. Firefighters have already faced several major blazes this summer, including on the islands of Evia and Chios as well as in the western Peloponnese. The head of the association of Greek firefighter officers, Costas Tsigkas, stated that the fire is difficult due to gusts of wind. A firefighter reported that the wind is hampering water bombers' ability to operate.
Strong winds are common in Greece at this time of year, with wind gusts expected to reach 88 kilometers an hour, especially in the southern Aegean and the Sea of Crete. As the firefighting efforts continue, the hope is for a swift resolution to the crisis, ensuring the safety of the residents and the revival of the tourism industry.
Due to the wildfire's proximity to Athens and popular tourist areas in Attica, the public health situation could potentially worsen due to the smoke inhalation risks, and the tourism industry might face further disruptions. The extreme fire events in Greece this summer, driven by drought and weather conditions, have also impacted the general-news scene, with the weather playing a significant role in these incidents.
