Wildfires rage across Greece, triggering mass evacuations

13/8/2025 7:39

Greece is battling dozens of wildfires across the country, forcing mass evacuations and damaging homes, farmland, and industrial facilities as extreme winds and heat hamper firefighting efforts.



The Greek official news agency AMNA reported 82 wildfires in the past 24 hours, with 23 still active by nightfall Tuesday. Gale-force winds of up to nine on the Beaufort scale fanned the flames, prompting the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection to mobilize firefighters, forest rangers, aircraft, and volunteers nationwide.



In the western region of Achaia, a major blaze near the industrial zone of Patras triggered repeated emergency alerts and the evacuation of more than 20 settlements.



State television ERT said industrial facilities, homes, and farmland were damaged, and at least three people were treated for burns or respiratory problems. Heavy smoke put the nearby Agios Stefanos prison on high alert, while three Coast Guard vessels and private boats stood by for sea rescues, and traffic on key highways was suspended.