Palaia Fokaia, Greece — June 26, 2025
Greek firefighters are waging a fierce battle against a wildfire that erupted near the coastal town of Palaia Fokaia, approximately 40 kilometers south of Athens. The fire, driven by strong winds and scorching temperatures, quickly spread through dry vegetation and reached residential areas, threatening homes, livelihoods, and lives.
The blaze began in the early hours of Wednesday and rapidly intensified due to a combination of high winds, dry brush, and extreme heat — conditions that have become alarmingly common during Greece’s prolonged summer wildfire seasons. Authorities believe the fire may have started in a forested area and then expanded toward the town’s outskirts, eventually reaching inhabited zones.
Thick smoke enveloped the skies above the town, reducing visibility and prompting widespread evacuations. Helicopters and water-dropping planes were dispatched to assist the ground crews, while dozens of firefighting vehicles and personnel from neighboring regions were called in to contain the inferno.
“We are doing everything in our power to bring the fire under control,” said Fire Service spokesperson Yiannis Artopios. “The wind has made conditions extremely difficult, but our priority remains the protection of human life and property.”
According to early reports, at least four homes have suffered significant damage, while others have been spared thanks to last-minute interventions by emergency services. No fatalities have been reported, but several residents have been treated for smoke inhalation, and elderly citizens were rushed to nearby hospitals as a precaution.
Residents of Palaia Fokaia described the scene as apocalyptic. “We saw the flames coming down the hill like a wave,” said Eleni Papadopoulou, a local resident who was forced to leave her home. “Everything happened so fast. One minute we were watching the fire from afar, and the next we were told to evacuate immediately.”
Volunteers and local community members also played a vital role, helping firefighters clear vegetation and assist in evacuating vulnerable individuals. Meanwhile, the Greek Civil Protection Agency issued alerts via SMS to residents in nearby areas, advising them to remain alert and follow evacuation instructions if necessary.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his support for those affected and assured the public that all available resources were being deployed. “We stand by our firefighters and emergency workers who are showing immense courage,” he said during a televised statement. “We must also remember that climate change is making such events more frequent and more dangerous. We have to be prepared, and we must act decisively to protect our country.”
This wildfire comes as Greece braces for what experts warn may be one of the most severe wildfire seasons in recent memory. The nation has already experienced several smaller fires over the past month, and meteorologists have reported prolonged drought conditions and record-breaking heat, which are exacerbating fire risks across the country.
Environmental groups have long warned about the impact of climate change on Greece’s ecosystems and have urged the government to invest more in prevention measures, such as creating firebreaks, managing forests more sustainably, and improving emergency response infrastructure.
As night falls, firefighters continue to work tirelessly to extinguish hotspots and prevent the fire from spreading further inland. The focus now is on containing the fire’s perimeter and monitoring wind changes that could potentially reignite flames or spark new blazes in the surrounding dry countryside.
The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by wildfires — not only for Greece but for Mediterranean countries across the region. As summer intensifies, so does the urgency to strengthen wildfire preparedness and protect vulnerable communities.
Authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant, avoid activities that could spark fires, and report any signs of new outbreaks immediately. The battle near Palaia Fokaia is far from over, but the resilience of firefighters and the support of local communities offer a glimmer of hope amid the smoke and devastation.
