The situation remains critical in Western Greece where fires that started on Tuesday have escalated. Early Wednesday, a new fire broke out in Kefalonia's Atheras area, while another fire erupted in Megara near Athens. Authorities report that around 4,850 firefighters are battling the blazes across the country.

The National Emergency Call Center (EKAB) has treated 62 people for smoke inhalation and minor burns, reflecting the intensity and danger of the ongoing fires.

Evacuations and Emergency Measures

Authorities have issued continuous evacuation alerts via the 112 emergency system in Achaia, Zakynthos, Chios, Preveza, Arta, Aetolia-Acarnania, and Volvi. In Achaia, the town of Kato Achaia is being evacuated, with 7,500 residents relocated towards Pyrgos in Elia. The health center in Kato Achaia has also been evacuated.

In Preveza, the fire fronts stretch over 30 kilometers, causing severe destruction to villages such as Agios Georgios and Pantanassa. Residents are deeply worried about their homes and livelihoods, while local infrastructure, including power supplies, has been severely impacted. Explosions from LPG tanks and livestock facilities have been reported, adding to the chaos.

On the island of Chios, the villages of Amani and Volissos have been completely evacuated. Hundreds of locals and visitors have sought refuge with relatives or in temporary shelters provided by the municipality. The damage there is extensive, affecting homes, farms, livestock facilities, and vehicles. Firefighting efforts include over 80 firefighters, several fire trucks, and support from the Coast Guard and naval vessels, which have assisted in evacuations by sea.

Firefighting Efforts and Support

A total of 152 fires have broken out across Greece in the past 48 hours, prompting the country to request assistance from the European Civil Protection Mechanism. Four firefighting aircraft have been deployed to support ground teams.

In Achaia, the most challenging fire front, authorities continue battling fiercely to protect populated areas and critical infrastructure. Several schools and public buildings, including a primary school in Vounteni, have been destroyed.

Meanwhile, the fire in Megara, Athens, has been brought under control, with only small isolated flames remaining due to swift action by firefighters.

Weather and Risk

Strong winds continue to fan the flames, especially in the Peloponnese, Western Greece, Central Greece, Attica, Euboea, the Cyclades, and Crete. Forecasts warn of very high fire risk across several regions today, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow official instructions.

Evia: Authorities have imposed traffic restrictions on two provincial roads due to a large wildfire raging between Triada and Pissona in the Dirfys–Messapia municipality. Traffic has been suspended:

• On the Nea Artaki–Kymi provincial road, from Vatontas to the Pissona junction.
• On the riverside Afrati–Pissona road, from the Afrati junction to the Pissona junction.

Meanwhile, the situation remains critical across multiple regions of Greece as wildfires continue to burn unchecked, fueled by high winds and prolonged drought.

Kythera: Villages Evacuated, Historic Monastery Threatened

A massive forest fire is spreading rapidly on the island of Kythera, originating in the Pitsinades area. Thick smoke has blanketed much of the island, creating choking conditions and severely reducing visibility.

Ground and volunteer forces are battling the flames with support from aerial units.

Peloponnese: Fires Burn Across Messinia and Laconia

Three active fronts are burning in the Peloponnese, straining fire services in Messinia and Laconia.

• Aetos, Messinia: A large blaze broke out in forestland but was kept away from the village due to rapid deployment of both ground and aerial firefighting forces. The fire remains active and efforts are ongoing to contain it before sunset.
• Kryoneri: Water-dropping aircraft began operations early Sunday to tackle flames in low vegetation. The rugged terrain is hampering ground access, but there is currently no threat to homes.
• Molai, Laconia: A wildfire in the Molai area continues to burn agricultural and forest land. Strong winds are complicating efforts, and firefighting teams remain on high alert.

Northern Evia: Flames Cross Natural Barrier, Approach Afrati

A wildfire in northern Evia has crossed a river that had previously acted as a natural firebreak and is now moving toward Afrati. Dramatic footage shows flames leaping across the water under the force of strong winds and extreme dryness.

Residents remain on edge as the blaze continues its destructive march, darkening the sky and reflecting eerie orange glows across the river surface.

Nationwide Situation at Dawn

As of early Sunday:

• In Drosopigi and Kryoneri, there are no active fronts, but flare-ups persist.
• In Messinia, a fire front expanded overnight, nearing Aetos village. It is currently under partial control.
• In Asvestopetra, Ptolemaida, concerns rose due to gusty winds and erratic fire behavior.
• In Chania, Crete, fires remain active, but wind conditions have improved.

Fire services across Greece remain in full deployment, with reinforcements, volunteers, and aerial support working tirelessly to contain the flames.

The atmosphere in Kryoneri is tense, almost like a war zone, as the large wildfire continues to burn. Residents are fighting to save their homes using garden hoses, while explosions can be heard in the area.

As night falls, the wind has started to die down, and the fire seems to be less intense, according to reporters from protothema.gr on the scene, as well as local residents.

The Fire Service still considers the blaze active, with efforts now focused on preventing it from reaching the nearby Parnitha National Park.

“Houses have burned. The explosions are coming from factories, and maybe from boilers in homes that have already caught fire further down,” one resident told protothema.gr.

Nature’s recovery from devastating fires in Greece was given a helping hand – indeed hundreds of helping hands – on April 14 at the village of Dioni, northeast of Athens, during the latest tree planting of The Hellenic Initiative (THI) in collaboration with Greek NGO We4all.

 

• June 30, 2025
• Published in Diaspora