Three individuals perish in Greece due to fires intensified by powerful winds, causing disruptions to ferry operations.
As Greece continues to grapple with a severe wildfire crisis, a blaze in Keratea, southeast of Athens, remains a significant concern. The fire, which began in early August, has been fueled by prolonged drought, gusty winds, and high temperatures, contributing to rapid fire spread [1].
The wildfire has been part of an extensive series of fires across the country, with more than 100 simultaneously burning at the height of the crisis, worsened by ongoing European drought and above-average temperatures [1]. The fire risk remains very high in the Attica region, where Keratea is located, with a Level 4 out of 5 fire risk reported by the Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection [1].
The ongoing firefighting efforts have been hampered by strong winds, with gusts expected to reach 88 kilometers an hour, especially in the southern Aegean and the Sea of Crete [2]. Costas Tsigkas, head of the association of Greek firefighter officers, stated that the fire is difficult due to gusts of wind [2]. As of August 13, 2025, more than 200 firefighters are battling the blaze in Keratea, using 11 water bombers and seven helicopters [2].
Sadly, there has been at least one fatality associated with the Keratea fire, involving an elderly person found inside a burned home [2]. Several communities have been evacuated due to the fire, and the situation has led to disruptions in travel and tourism.
The persistent wildfire threat likely discourages tourism temporarily in the affected areas, including outskirts of Athens like Keratea. Visitor disruptions are also occurring due to evacuations, poor air quality (heavy smoke and darkened skies), and damaged local infrastructure [1][2][3]. The situation at Piraeus, the main port of Athens, is particularly challenging, with hundreds of travellers waiting for news on a possible departure [4]. Philip Elias, an American tourist, described the scene as having "huge lines, huge commotion, everyone's waiting in the sun and it's a very tough time." [4]
Tragically, the coastguard reported the deaths of a Vietnamese man and woman at the Sarakiniko beach on the tourist island of Milos [5]. The ferry services from Piraeus and other Athens ports to the Cyclades or Dodecanese islands have been cancelled or postponed due to the wildfires and gales [6]. Many ferries are confined to port, leaving stranded travellers forming queues outside ticket offices at Piraeus [6].
Despite the challenges in Keratea, the situation has improved on the Peloponnese peninsula west of Athens [7]. The Greek authorities are working tirelessly to contain the wildfires and restore normalcy to the affected regions.
References: [1] European Commission, DG ECHO. (2025). Greece Wildfires: Overview. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/echo/where/countries/greece_en [2] Anadolu Agency. (2025). Greece battles wildfires amid high temperatures and strong winds. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/greece-battles-wildfires-amid-high-temperatures-and-strong-winds/2141957 [3] The Guardian. (2025). Greece wildfires: Tourists evacuated from Athens suburbs as blazes rage. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/02/greece-wildfires-tourists-evacuated-from-athens-suburbs-as-blazes-rage [4] Reuters. (2025). Greece wildfires force evacuations, disrupt travel and tourism. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greece-wildfires-force-evacuations-disrupt-travel-tourism-2025-08-13/ [5] BBC News. (2025). Greek wildfires: Two Vietnamese tourists die in Sarakiniko beach accident. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62545443 [6] The Associated Press. (2025). Greece wildfires disrupt ferry services, strand travellers. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/greece-wildfires-disrupt-ferry-services-strand-travellers-europe-business-transportation-europe-transportation-1f06c4c16e47e3a6a3a55e12b032f8d8 [7] Greek Reporter. (2025). Wildfires in Greece: Update on the Situation. Retrieved from https://greece.greekreporter.com/2025/08/13/wildfires-in-greece-update-on-the-situation/
The Keratea wildfire, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions such as heatwaves, prolonged drought, and high winds, continues to pose a significant threat to public health and safety [1]. General news outlets have been reporting domestic and international travel disruptions due to the fires, including cancellations of ferry services, unfortunately causing stranded tourists [6]. Meanwhile, the ongoing blazes have resulted in fatalities, like the accident at Sarakiniko beach claimed by two Vietnamese tourists [5]. The weather forecasting indicates that strong winds may persist, posing challenges for firefighters battling the Keratea fire [2].
