Athens, (EFE).- A major wildfire that broke out Thursday near the coastal town of Thimari, about 21.7 miles southeast of Athens, has forced the evacuation of at least five towns as firefighters battle high winds and scorching temperatures.
“The fire is currently out of control,” warned Dimitris Loukas, mayor of the Lavreotiki municipality. “We still don’t know how many homes have burned as the fire passed through several residential areas. Winds are very strong and are pushing the flames toward Jarakas.”
More than 160 firefighters, 64 fire engines, 12 water-dropping planes, and 12 helicopters are engaged in efforts to contain the blaze.
Local authorities first evacuated Thimari and the nearby coastal village of Turkolimano.
As the fire spread east and south, three more towns, including Jarakas, were ordered to evacuate.
At least 1,000 residents live permanently in the affected towns, though the real number of evacuees is expected to be much higher due to the area’s popularity among summer tourists from Athens.
Fires have burnt all around Greece throughout the week, on Europe’s hot, southernmost fringe, where frequent wildfires and floods in recent years have been exacerbated by a changing climate.
Rescue teams deployed by land and sea
Police have been going door to door to ensure no one remains trapped.
Officers evacuated around 40 people who refused to leave their homes. The Coast Guard is also patrolling nearby waters with rescue boats in case a maritime evacuation becomes necessary.
Fire service spokesperson Vasilis Varthakoyannis confirmed that aerial and sea resources remain on high alert. “Our teams are working around the clock,” he said.
Authorities have launched an investigation after residents alleged the fire may have been sparked by human activity. A special team of investigators from the fire service has been deployed to the site.
Greece is currently experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 42°C (107.6°F) on Friday, significantly increasing wildfire risk.
Dozens of fires across Greece
On the island of Crete, a firefighter sustained a minor hand injury while tackling another blaze near Tsigouna, which has since been brought under control.
Meanwhile, over 450 firefighters remain stationed on the eastern Aegean island of Chios, where a separate fire burned more than 4,100 hectares of pine forest and olive groves earlier this week.
Fire crews, supported by aerial units, are working to prevent flare-ups as strong winds are forecast to return.
“In Chios, only small hotspots remain,” a fire department spokesperson told EFE. “There is no active front, but we’re staying alert.”
Authorities have expressed concern about possible arson in Chios after several simultaneous fire fronts emerged. One woman was arrested Wednesday after allegedly starting a fire by accident while attempting to extinguish a cigarette with her foot.
Over the past 24 hours, firefighters responded to 45 wildfires across Greece, the majority of which were quickly brought under control.
Greece’s Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Yiannis Kefalogiannis has ordered additional reinforcements and increased military patrols, particularly in Chios, which remains under a state of emergency. EFE
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