Thousands of residents are being evacuated from their homes as a massive wildfire spreads through the suburbs of Athens. Greece has requested assistance from the European Union to combat the fire, which began on Saturday afternoon in the northern suburbs of Athens. As part of the Civil Protection Mechanism, Italy, France, the Czech Republic, and Romania are sending air and ground support to aid Greece in extinguishing the flames. This comes amidst an extreme heatwave in the country, which has led to the evacuation of thousands in the Attica region of Athens.
In response to the escalating crisis, France, Italy, and the Czech Republic have answered the call for help in combating the wildfire. France is sending a Super Puma helicopter equipped with a water bucket, along with 180 civil security firefighters and 55 lorries. Italy is providing two Canadair-type firefighting aircraft, while the Czech Republic is sending out 75 firefighters and 25 vehicles, including nine waterborne units. Additional assistance from Spain and Turkey is expected in the coming days. Roughly 670 firefighters have been deployed by Greece to battle the flames, which have been described as “exceptionally dangerous” by the country’s national fire department spokesman.
Local residents in the affected areas are facing the threat of the fire and have shared their experiences of evacuating to safety. Residents like Spyros Gorilas from Dioni described the chaotic conditions as the fire approached, with suffocating smoke and poor visibility making it difficult to breathe. Giannis Alvanos, who rebuilt his home after losing it in a fire two years ago, evacuated when ordered but returned via backroads to defend his property. Videos posted on social media show the sky in Athens turning yellow and large plumes of smoke in the distant skyline. Wildfires are not uncommon in Greece during the hot, dry summer months, but experts warn that the climate crisis is making these fires more frequent and intense.
The European Union has mobilized support to help Greece combat the wildfires that are raging through the suburbs of Athens. Countries like Italy, France, the Czech Republic, and Romania are sending air and ground support to assist Greece in extinguishing the flames. The extreme heatwave in the country has led to the evacuation of thousands in the Attica region of Athens, further complicating the efforts to control the fire. Additional assistance from Spain and Turkey is expected in the coming days to help contain the wildfire and protect affected residents.
Residents in the affected areas have described the intense conditions as the fire encroaches on their homes. From overwhelming smoke to changing wind directions, the threat of the fire has left many feeling helpless. Videos shared on social media capture the yellow sky and large plumes of smoke in the distance as wildfires continue to burn through the suburbs of Athens. The impacts of the climate crisis are exacerbating these fires, with experts warning that they are becoming more frequent and intense. Last year alone, wildfires in Greece claimed the lives of over 20 people, highlighting the urgency of addressing the root causes of these disasters.
Despite the challenging conditions, residents like Giannis Alvanos are determined to protect their homes from the advancing flames. Having recently rebuilt his house after a previous fire, he evacuated when ordered but returned through backroads to safeguard his property. The quick response of firefighters has been crucial in containing the fire and preventing further destruction. The collaboration between Greece and its European neighbors demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in responding to natural disasters. As the wildfires continue to threaten communities in the suburbs of Athens, the support provided by the European Union and other countries is essential in ensuring the safety of residents and the containment of the fires.
