Overview and Background

A significant wildfire has swept through the coastal towns of Palaia Fokaia and Thymari, located 40 km (25 miles) southeast of Athens, Greece, resulting in the destruction of homes and the evacuation of residents. The fire, which erupted amidst Greece's first heatwave of the summer, has led to the loss of at least 20 homes, with many others sustaining structural damage. Local officials report that strong winds and temperatures soaring up to 40°C have exacerbated the situation, making firefighting efforts extremely challenging.

Emergency alerts were issued via the 112 system, prompting over 1,000 evacuations from affected areas. Firefighters, supported by local residents and aircraft, have been engaged in an intense battle to contain the blaze. The Greek coast guard also assisted along the coastline. Earlier in the week, wildfires had already ravaged thousands of hectares on Chios, Greece's fifth-largest island, highlighting the increasing frequency of such incidents due to climate change.

Key Findings

• At least 20 homes destroyed due to the wildfire in Palaia Fokaia and Thymari.
• Over 1,000 individuals evacuated from affected areas, including 11 tourists rescued from a beach.
• Authorities deployed 18,000 firefighters and volunteers to combat wildfires across Greece this season.
• Emergency services reported a total of 45 wildfires across the country within 24 hours.
• High temperatures and strong winds continue to pose significant risks for further wildfires.

"All of the municipality's facilities were open to anyone who needed shelter or medical help," stated Babis Galanis, a local deputy mayor.

As the fire situation remains critical, authorities have initiated an arson investigation to determine the cause of the fire. The Greek Fire Service has also warned that the risk of wildfires will remain high across various regions, including Attica, Evia, and the Peloponnese, due to ongoing extreme heat conditions.