Greece Fights Wildfires with EU Support as Evacuations Continue

Greece is currently battling devastating wildfires that have led to extensive evacuations and destruction across several regions. The fires, which reignited on Saturday, August 5, 2023, have particularly affected the Peloponnese area, as well as the islands of Evia and Kythera. Support from European Union countries has arrived, with firefighters from the Czech Republic already on the ground and additional help from Italy expected later today.

The most intense flames were reported in the Kythera area on Sunday morning, where evacuation messages were issued to residents as the situation escalated. Local officials reported significant destruction, with Giorgos Komninos, the deputy mayor of Kythera, stating, “Houses, beehives, olive trees have been burnt.” He emphasized that the fire has already consumed half of the island, putting historic structures, including a monastery, at risk.

Firefighting efforts have intensified, with dozens of firefighters supported by helicopters and aircraft working tirelessly to contain the blaze on Kythera, which began early Saturday. The Greek fire brigade confirmed that the situation prompted requests for assistance from EU allies, leading to the deployment of two Italian aircraft to support ongoing operations.

Ongoing Fire Threats Across Greece

As of Sunday, August 6, 2023, eleven regions across Greece remain under high fire risk, according to local officials. In addition to Kythera, multiple flare-ups were reported overnight on the island of Evia, where extensive forest areas have been ravaged, resulting in the loss of thousands of farm animals.

In the south, on the island of Crete, fires that broke out on Saturday afternoon have caused significant property damage, destroying four houses and a church. Fortunately, these fires have been largely contained, alleviating some pressure on emergency services.

The recent surge in fire activity comes as Greece experiences a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many areas. Weather forecasts indicate that conditions may improve as the heat is expected to subside starting Monday, providing some hope for relief to the affected regions.

The Greek government continues to coordinate with EU partners to ensure that adequate resources are directed towards firefighting efforts. As the situation develops, authorities are closely monitoring weather conditions and fire behavior to mitigate further risks to communities and wildlife.