Fast-Advancing Wildfire near Athens Casts Dark Shadow over the City

The scent of smoke and ash filled the air in Athens as a wildfire blazed northeast of the Greek capital on Sunday. Over 250 firefighters, supported by 67 fire engines, 12 planes, and six helicopters, are battling the blaze that started at about 3 p.m. local time roughly 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Athens. The fire is rapidly spreading towards Lake Marathon, a crucial water reservoir for Athens, causing damage to an unknown number of homes.

Fire Colonel Vassileios Vathrakogiannis, a spokesperson for the fire department, reported that the flames have reached towering heights of over 25 meters (80 feet) due to gale force winds in the area. Residents in villages near the fire zone have received emergency text alerts urging them to evacuate for their safety. Another fire that erupted west of Athens has been successfully brought under control, according to Vathrakogiannis.

The scorching heat and arid conditions, exacerbated by strong winds, have significantly heightened the wildfire risk. Greece experienced its hottest June and July on record this year, with the country also facing its warmest winter ever. Meteorologists and government officials have issued warnings about the elevated fire danger due to the prevailing weather conditions from Sunday through Thursday. Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, declared that half of the nation will be under a “red alert” status.