New wildfires erupt across Greece, prompting evacuations near Athens

Greece reported 39 new forest fires today, with the most severe outbreak on Salamis Island off the coast of Athens.

The Civil Protection Agency said the fires were fueled by ongoing drought, noting that temperatures in central Athens reached 40 degrees Celsius.

Greek authorities ordered the evacuation of residential areas near Athens after large wildfires broke out southeast of the capital and close to the country’s largest naval base on Salamis Island.

Evacuation alerts were sent to residents in Agia Marina and Tsounima near the port of Lavrio, as well as Ano Vasilika and Nea Salamina on Salamis Island. More than 150 firefighters and around 50 fire engines, supported by water-dropping aircraft, are battling the blazes.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Greece is experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius.

Wildfires in Greece have claimed seven lives in recent weeks, destroyed thousands of hectares of forest, and damaged dozens of homes.