Wildfires Ravage Greece: A Crisis Update
Raging wildfires continue to engulf Greece for a second consecutive day, forcing thousands to flee their homes.
As the summer of 2025 unfolds, Greece is grappling with a severe wildfire crisis. Over 100 active blazes are currently ravaging the country, causing widespread evacuations and destruction. The fires are fueled by extreme heat, strong winds, and prolonged drought, leading to a state of emergency in several regions.
The Affected Regions
The regions most affected include East Attica, Kefalonia, Vonitsa, Zakynthos, Arta, Preveza, Achaia, Chios, and Aitoliko. Among these, the city of Patras in Achaia has been particularly hard-hit, with firefighters battling wildfires in the area.
The Situation in Patras and Surrounding Areas
The high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds in Achaia have made the fires in Patras and its surroundings particularly challenging to control. As a result, authorities have issued evacuation orders for several communities, including a town near Patras, and new alerts for nearby villages.
The Overall Impact
The wildfires have led to significant evacuations across mainland regions and islands, including entire towns, villages, hotels, and hospitals. The Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection has been actively issuing evacuation orders to protect communities, particularly in Western Greece.
The situation remains critical, with a high fire risk forecast for several regions, including Attica, Peloponnese, and the Ionian Islands. The ongoing drought conditions in Europe have exacerbated the situation, similar to the severe wildfires experienced in France.
Regional Context
Across Europe, the 2025 fire season has been exceptionally destructive, with over 439,500 hectares burned in EU areas, more than double the average for the same period over the past 19 years. The ongoing drought conditions in central, northern, and eastern Europe have contributed to the crisis.
On the Ground
On the island of Chios, the coast guard used boats to evacuate people as flames reached the shores. At least 13 firefighters have been injured and treated for burns and other injuries, but no new figures have been reported. Temperatures are forecast to reach 34 degrees Celsius (93.2 Fahrenheit) in some places.
The crisis is ongoing, with more than 5,000 firefighters and 33 aircraft still deployed to contain the fires in Greece. The international community has offered support, and the Greek government is working tirelessly to contain the fires and protect its citizens.
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