Heat, drought and wind: more than 50 fires in Greece

More than 50 fires have broken out in Greece. High temperatures and strong winds make extinguishing work difficult. The most dangerous fire rages about 20 kilometers northeast of Athens. Many residents have been evacuated.

After weeks of extreme drought, more than 50 bush and forest fires broke out in Greece, fueled by strong winds. The most dangerous fire raged in the Stamata-Dionysus region, around 20 kilometers northeast of Athens. “Houses were damaged. Many residents had to be brought to safety,” said the region’s deputy governor, Wassilis Kokkalis.

Fire fighting planes and helicopters as well as numerous firefighters fought against the flames. The Greek civil defense warned of a high risk of fire: In the coming days, temperatures over 40 degrees and strong winds are expected in all parts of the country.

Residents near Athens have been evacuated

A forest fire north of Athens damaged at least a dozen houses. The authorities said that the flames were only able to stop the flames after extensive use by the fire brigade.

An evacuation order has been issued for houses in the Stamata area, about 30 kilometers northeast of the Greek capital. Thick smoke enveloped parts of Athens. Eight fire-fighting planes and twelve helicopters supported more than 300 firefighters on the ground from the air.

“It was a difficult and dangerous fire,” said the head of civil defense, Nikos Hardalias. “The fire is currently on the retreat, but is still burning in several places.” Residents were warned by mobile phone and asked to keep doors and windows closed so as not to expose themselves to the smoke and to prevent dangerous sparks from blowing inside the houses.

The cause of the fire is still unclear. The authorities said that evidence of a possible arson would be investigated. Four people were taken away for questioning.

Intentional arson and negligent conduct

Severe drought, strong winds and temperatures of more than 30 degrees cause devastating forest fires in Greece every summer. Three years ago, 102 people died in the country’s worst fire to date in the seaside resort of Mati near Athens.

Many of the fires are caused by negligence or as a result of arson – for example for property speculation. According to the newspaper “Kathimerini”, 26 fires were deliberately started last year, and 179 more were the result of negligent behavior.