Wildfire near Athens triggers evacuations and highway closures amid heatwave

A massive fire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, triggering emergency evacuations and roadblocks as blazes ravaged housing around the seaside town of Palaia Fokaia.

Authorities closed sections of the scenic highway between the Greek capital and Sounion, which features the ancient Temple of Poseidon, a popular tourist destination.

GREECE FACES FIRST MAJOR HEATWAVE

The fire broke out while Greece was experiencing its first heatwave of the summer, with temperatures close to 40C (104F). Firefighters fought the fire on the ground and in the air, struggling against the fierce heat and changing winds that made it difficult to contain.

“Strong ground and aerial forces are fighting an enormous battle with the fire, especially in residential areas,” fire department spokesman Col. Vassilis Vathrakogiannis reported.

AIR AND SEA FIREFIGHTING EFFORTS DEPLOYED

As reported by the Associated Press, the firefighting effort involved 130 personnel, assisted by 12 helicopters, 12 water-dropping aircraft, and volunteer crews. A coast guard boat also sprayed sea water, with two patrol boats and nine private boats on standby for possible sea evacuations. Ambulances were placed on standby but had not been required by late afternoon.

Local authorities reported that homes were likely damaged, but assessing the extent of the damage was delayed. “Some houses could have been damaged, but we are awaiting confirmation,” local mayor Dimitris Loukas said to state-owned ERT television.

Police took 40 people out and ordered five areas to be evacuated. Parts of the Athens-Sounion coastal highway were closed in both directions. “We are asking residents to evacuate their homes immediately,” said local councilor Apostolos Papadakis.

Though the origin of the fire is yet to be confirmed, authorities have sent an arson investigation unit to the scene. The entire Athens region and some Aegean islands remain at Level 4 wildfire risk due to hot and dry conditions.

A major fire on the island of Chios earlier this week took four days to bring under control. Greece has seen its share of catastrophic summer blazes the Mati fire in 2018 killed more than 100 people.

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