Even before the fires in north-eastern Greece have been extinguished, experts have already begun to assess the damage. The balance sheets are devastating. They complain according to a newspaper report Kathimerinithat the forests in northeastern Greece that burned down in six days will take decades to grow back, if ever. Around 74,000 hectares burned in the Evros River area on the border with Turkey, 13,000 of them in the Dadia National Park alone. There is also a reserve for vultures there. Ornithologists say the old growth pine forest with its tall trees provides perfect nesting sites for birds of prey and vultures. Many of them have now fallen victim to the fire.
In addition to 360 to 400 plant species, at least 60 species of mammals, 12 species of amphibians, 29 species of reptiles and 104 species of butterflies were recorded in the national park. “No one can say for sure what it will be like the next day. It’s too early for that and the scale of the destruction is unimaginable,” says Georgia Alexopoulou of the Hellenic Ornithological Society Kathimerini. “Small areas may have been saved, but overall the extent of the destruction is huge,” explains Dora Skartsis of the Thracian Society for Biodiversity Conservation. “The forest can regenerate, but it takes time and certain conditions.” Skartsis predicts difficult times for the region: “It will take a lot of money, people and time. Some of the burned areas will erode.”
Firefighters fight 517 forest fires
According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, which is supported by the European Union (EU), the fires are the largest forest fire on European soil in years. “Greece is experiencing the most difficult year in terms of climate in the history of recording and collecting meteorological data,” Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said in Athens. Firefighters have been battling a total of 517 forest fires that have erupted across Greece since last Friday, he says. The fires are fueled by high temperatures and, in some cases, gale force winds.
Drone footage shows the areas burned by the fire of the past few days near Aleandroupoli in north-eastern Greece.
(Photo: Vasilis Ververidis/MotionTeam/Imago/Ane Edition)
The weather forecast provided some hope. Accordingly, it could rain over the weekend in parts of central Greece, in the northern port city of Thessaloniki and even in Athens. However, thunderstorms with lightning in the morning caused new sources of fire, this time in the coastal town of Vari near Athens.
Air traffic not yet affected
Forest fires in summer are not uncommon in Greece, but according to the government they are particularly common this year. Rescue workers have now found the bodies of a total of 19 migrants who were hiding in a forest near the border with Turkey and were apparently surprised by the fire. Hundreds of people had to flee their homes.
Larger impacts on air traffic to and from Greece are not yet known. The Foreign Office appeals to travelers to find out about the risk situation in the targeted region before starting their journey. In addition, prohibitions, information signs and warnings as well as the instructions of local authorities and security forces should always be observed.
Greek Civil Protection can be reached on +30 210 368 1259 or +30 210 368 1350. In acute emergencies (urgent evacuation needs/life-threatening situations), travelers should call +30 213 133 1200.