Wildfires Rage in Greece as Heatwave Grips Europe

Photo: Costas Metaxakis/AFP/Getty Images

IERAPETRA, Crete — Greece is once again battling devastating wildfires as a massive blaze on the island of Crete forced the evacuation of more than 1,000 residents and tourists, while a new fire near Athens threatened homes and prompted the evacuation of multiple settlements.

The fire near the Athens suburb of Pikermi broke out Thursday afternoon, sending thick grey smoke over the area and forcing the closure of a major road linking the capital to the coast. More than 100 firefighters were deployed to the scene as flames encroached on homes and nearby communities.

Meanwhile, in southeastern Crete, a fast-moving wildfire near Ierapetra scorched forests and olive groves and spread dangerously close to houses and hotels. Fueled by gale-force winds and extremely dry conditions, the blaze led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the region. Over 230 firefighters, supported by 46 engines and 10 helicopters, were working to contain the flames.

“It was very scary,” said Mikkel Sallin, a 26-year-old tourist from Denmark who was interviewed by Reuters and was among those evacuated. “We’re just glad to feel safe now.”

Some residents were hospitalized with respiratory problems, and local media reported property damage in several areas. The fire also disrupted tourism, with some 5,000 holidaymakers reportedly fleeing southeastern Crete – a major blow to the island’s vital tourism industry.

The wildfires come as much of Europe experiences a severe early summer heatwave, with temperatures soaring across the continent. At least eight heat-related deaths have been reported so far. Scientists warn that rising sea temperatures and stagnant atmospheric conditions have created a “heat dome” effect, driving temperatures up to 50°F above normal in some areas.

July marks the peak of Greece’s fire season, and authorities have warned of high wildfire risk in the coming days. Elsewhere in the region, Turkey continues to battle major wildfires in the coastal districts of Cesme and Odemis, while Italy faces red-alert heat warnings in 18 cities. In Switzerland, rising river temperatures forced the shutdown of reactors at the Beznau nuclear power plant.

As heatwaves become more intense and frequent, Greece and the wider Mediterranean remain on the frontlines of what experts now call a growing “wildfire hotspot.”

Previously, UOJ reported that a Georgian woman working as a housekeeper was arrested Tuesday, June 24, in connection with a series of wildfires that ravaged the Aegean island of Chios.

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