In 2025 Greece again faces serious forest fires and other forest and rural areas, which are exceptionally aggravated by extreme heat and drought. The temperature in the record heat waves reaches even 46°C, which significantly increases the risk of fire forming and spreading.
Places affected by fires
Fires continue in many parts of the country, both on the continent and on islands. The most affected places are:
– City Thessaloniki and areas where the situation is serious and requires evacuation of residents in certain areas.
– Peloponnese and around the city Corinthwhere 180 firefighters, 15 firefighting aircraft and 12 helicopters were engaged to extinguish the fire.
– Greek coast and tourist regions, e.g. Cretewhere fires are also active and present a threat.
– Islands Kithira and Eubea (Evia), where it fights fires of about 60 firefighters with the support of firefighting aircraft, however the fire continues to spread.
The main causes of fires are drought, strong winds, high temperatures and flammable dry vegetation. Additionally, there are accidental sparks, cigarette butts, and even arsons, which make the situation worse.
Effects of fires
The Greek authorities, aware of the seriousness of the situation, ask the European Union for additional support, including firefighting aircraft. Restrictions on access to tourist areas, such as closure, have been introduced in some places Acropolis in Athens in the hours of the greatest heat.
In 2025 fires in Greece caused death at least 81 people and injuries were sustained by at least 5 people who were injured and required medical attention. Fires covered many regions, including islands and continental areas, and thousands of residents and tourists were evacuated.
Στήνονται γραμμές απο το Πυροσβεστικό Σώμα ώστε περιοριστεί δυνατόν συντομότερα πριν δύση ήλιου ήλιου θα θα θα σταματήσουν σταματήσουν τις τις ρίψεις ρίψεις τα.
— Εποχικοί Πυροσβέστες (@epoxpyrosvestes) July 22, 2025
Experts warn that the structure of weather and the environment makes extinguishing very difficult, even impossible, in some places, especially with strong winds.
