As Europe grapples with an unprecedented heatwave, Greece is confronting devastating wildfires that have pushed emergency services to their limits. The crisis, fueled by extreme temperatures and dry conditions, has necessitated a massive response involving nearly 5,000 firefighters and 33 aircraft.
Key Facts
- Greece is facing a severe wildfire crisis with dozens of new blazes reported daily.
- Nearly 5,000 firefighters and 33 aircraft have been deployed to battle the fires.
- Major fires are ongoing near Patras, on the islands of Zakynthos and Chios, and in the northwest region of Preveza.
- The situation has led to evacuations and several injuries among firefighters.
- Greece has sought additional help from EU countries through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Background
According to Kostas Tsingas, head of the fire brigade officers’ association, Greece recorded an ‘exceptionally high’ number of 82 new fires in a single day. The wildfires have been particularly severe near Patras on the Peloponnese peninsula, where two large fires are causing widespread destruction. The fires are exacerbated by strong winds and continuous high temperatures, which have also affected other parts of Europe.
Timeline/What We Know
The situation escalated rapidly with the onset of the heatwave, which saw temperatures forecast to reach up to 34 degrees Celsius (93.2 Fahrenheit). The Greek fire brigade has been on high alert, with spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis describing each new day as ‘very difficult’ due to the escalating wildfire risk. The intensity of the situation prompted Greece to request international assistance.
Official Reactions
The Greek authorities have been actively seeking help to control the fires. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated to provide additional firefighting aircraft from member states. This is a part of broader European solidarity as neighboring countries like Italy, France, and Spain also face similar challenges.
What’s Next
With the heatwave expected to continue, the risk of further wildfires remains high. Emergency services are preparing for prolonged firefighting operations. Meanwhile, the broader European community is also on alert as the heatwave threatens to escalate existing wildfires and potentially spark new ones across the region.