Blaze west of Athens tamed as capital faces maximum wildfire risk Thursday Firefighters succeeded in bringing a scrub fire west of Athens under partial control, despite the capital and surrounding regions being placed on a maximum wildfire alert for Thursday. The fire, which prompted evacuation orders for the villages of Loutropyrgos, Tolka, and Neraki on Wednesday, was managed by more than 60 firefighters aided by eight water-bombing aircraft. The Fire Service reported the blaze was successfully contained, though the broader threat loomed as Greece faced its highest wildfire risk levels. Multiple wildfires continued to rage across northern and western Greece, with authorities issuing warnings and evacuation orders in several locations. In the northeastern Rodopi region, a fire near the village of Imeros forced the evacuation of Ambelakia and Profitis Ilias, though no injuries or major property damage were reported. Similarly, blazes were active in Simantra, near Thessaloniki, Sagiada, and Havari, requiring coordinated responses involving dozens of firefighters and multiple aircraft. These incidents underscored the ongoing challenge posed by the country's severe weather conditions. The capital, Athens, saw heightened precautions as municipal authorities closed the hills of Lycabettus and Finopoulos to the public from midnight Wednesday. Residents were advised to avoid outdoor work that could generate sparks or involve open flames, with police conducting fire patrols using drones in parks and green spaces. The city’s vulnerability was further highlighted by the deaths of four firefighters and a helicopter pilot in recent weeks, underscoring the dangers faced by emergency responders. In Halkidiki, a large wildfire in Siviri burned out of control, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents and leading to the deployment of nearly 150 firefighters, nine aircraft, and seven helicopters. The fire, which began after strong winds toppled a power pole, caused damage to homes and vehicles, with two firefighters sustaining minor injuries. Authorities imposed temporary restrictions on access to forested areas in Kassandra, Sithonia, and Aristotelis, citing the extremely high risk of wildfires. Violations of these rules could result in fines of up to €300. Further complications arose in the region as separate wildfires were reported in Vartholomio and Makyneia, both requiring ground crews and aircraft to manage the blazes. Meanwhile, a fire near the Kapota military camp in Menidi, north of Athens, prompted a major firefighting response, with 73 firefighters and two helicopters working to suppress the flames. Though no injuries were initially reported, the incident added to the growing list of challenges confronting Greece’s firefighting services. On the island of Salamina, firefighters discovered two bodies near the origin of a wildfire that had been burning since Sunday. Four individuals with minor burns were evacuated to a local First Aid station, and an elderly resident was relocated from his home. The Coast Guard remained on standby to assist with additional evacuations by sea. Over 190 firefighters, along with numerous aircraft and volunteers, were deployed to combat the blaze, highlighting the extensive resources required to tackle such incidents. As the week progressed, the wildfire risk across Greece showed signs of easing, with authorities reducing the country’s overall risk level to category-3 on Monday. However, the majority of central and southern Greece, including the Greater Athens region, remained under a high-risk designation. This shift marked a brief reprieve for overstretched firefighting forces, though the threat of future blazes persisted given the persistent arid conditions and strong winds typical of the region. Despite the reduction in risk, the situation in Halkidiki remained critical, with authorities continuing to monitor the aftermath of the large wildfire that had forced evacuations and damaged properties. Reinforcements were dispatched to the Aegean island of Skyros to help contain a second-day blaze, with additional resources arriving from neighboring areas. The Fire Service emphasized the importance of public cooperation in preventing new outbreaks, urging citizens to avoid activities that could ignite dry vegetation. As Greece continues to grapple with the seasonal threat of wildfires, the focus remains on preparedness and rapid response to protect lives and infrastructure.
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