Highest alert level around Athens: Fires ravage several European holiday regions

Crete: Thousands of people evacuated around Agia Galini

In Turkey, too, emergency services continue to battle the flames. The authorities, including minister Ibrahim Yumakli, had reported several fire outbreaks on the mainland and along the Aegean coast in recent days. The situation on the Peloponnese as well as on the peninsula around Athens remains tense.

In Spain, fires are also burning according to official reports. Mainly regions in the interior of the country are affected, where the fire service is tackling several forest fires. The authorities declared the second-highest alert level in individual municipalities and ordered evacuations.

Turkey, Spain and France: Firefighting operations also outside Greece

France reported fires in several départements, including in the south of the country. Emergency services attempted — using firefighting aircraft and ground troops — to prevent the flames from spreading to inhabited areas.

The Greek weather services warn that the combination of heat, dryness, and strong wind could further worsen the situation in the coming days. With the ongoing summer travel wave in mind, tour operators urged their guests to follow the instructions of the hotels and local authorities.

High fire danger: Weather services warn of worsening conditions

According to Greek civil protection, hundreds of firefighters are deployed nationwide, supported by firefighting aircraft and helicopters. The authorities stressed that the highest alert level was necessary because several fires are burning simultaneously and spreading rapidly.

Observers point out that the current season in Southern Europe has been unusually dry and hot. Initial analyses indicate that the fire danger remains above average in several Mediterranean countries.

Travel advisories and assistance offers

Travelers in the affected regions were called on to avoid staying in or near forests and to follow the instructions of the emergency services. Aid organizations provided emergency shelters; affected residents can contact the municipal hotlines.

The governments of the affected countries announced that they would step up coordination through the EU civil protection mechanisms. Initial firefighting aircraft from neighboring countries have been requested or are already en route, according to European crisis management circles.