Greece wildfire prompts thousands of evacuations in Athens region

On Sunday afternoon a fire started near Lake Marathon, around 35 kilometres (22 miles) northeast of Athens. It has since spread across Mount Penteli, descending onto the northern and northeastern suburbs of Athens, engulfing trees, houses, and cars in its path.

The mayor of the historic town of Marathon, Stergios Tsirkas, has described the blaze as a “biblical catastrophe”. “Our whole town is engulfed in flames and going through difficult times,” he told Greece’s Skai television channel.

The Greek government has deployed around 700 firefighters with crews from Spain, the Czech Republic and Romania also joining to help. Italy and Turkey are sending two planes while France and Serbia are dispatching firefighting helicopters. Despite coordinated efforts, winds of 37–43 miles per hour and difficult terrain have heightened the challenge for emergency services.

Authorities have issued clear warnings to residents and tourists, advising them to stay at home and keep windows shut to reduce contact with potentially dangerous air pollution caused by the fires.

In a statement released online Vassilis Kikilias, the Greek Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, commented: “Unfortunately, the prediction from the Risk Assessment Committee, which placed Attica and other regions of Greece on red alert, has been confirmed. We will continue with all our strength until the fire is under control and every hotspot is extinguished.”

While flights to Athens are still operating, the UK Foreign Office has advised British nationals heading to Greece to closely monitor the news and follow the instructions of the local authorities.

This year Greece experienced its hottest June and July on record.

Safeture and Riskline recently released a global wildfire report with travel safety tips.