Urgent Evacuation: Wildfire Ravages Northern Suburb of Athens, Residents Urged to Flee for Safety

A wildfire broke out in Kryoneri, a town northeast of Athens, prompting officials to evacuate residents. The fire service reported that people received alerts to move to safer areas as flames consumed parts of the town.

Firefighters are working hard to control the blaze. At the site, there are 145 firefighters, 44 fire engines, and several aircraft helping to battle the flames. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown. Vassilis Vathrakoyannis from the fire service noted that symptoms like smoke inhalation affected some older residents nearby, who need special care due to respiratory issues.

Firefighters face extreme conditions. Temperatures are soaring above 38°C, and strong winds are making the situation worse. Under such circumstances, wildfires spread quickly, posing a significant threat. Vathrakoyannis warned that these tricky weather patterns will likely continue in the coming days.

Greece is also struggling with fires on its islands, including Crete and Evia, as well as Kythera. In just 24 hours, 52 wildfires erupted across the country, showcasing an alarming trend. Wildfires have become more frequent and destructive in Greece, particularly in the last few years.

This wildfire trend isn’t just limited to Greece. A fire in the Aude region of France, near the Mediterranean coast, forced evacuations of local camps and homes. This fire consumed over 600 hectares (1,500 acres) quickly, driven by strong winds. Around 630 firefighters and several aircraft were deployed to put out the flames. Recently, this same area experienced another major fire that burned through 2,100 hectares (5,200 acres).

Data shows that wildfires in southern Europe are increasing, driven by climate change and hotter, drier conditions. According to the European Forest Fire Information System, fires have grown more intense, leading to greater property damage and ecological impact. As Vathrakoyannis mentioned, the challenges are significant, and the danger isn’t fading anytime soon.

This situation highlights the growing need for effective wildfire management and support systems. As communities adapt to these growing threats, the importance of preparation and resilience cannot be overstated.



Source link